The Monks of the West, from St. Benedict to St. Bernard

THE MONKS OF THE WEST L NEWYORKCITY THE

MONKSOFTHEWEST

FROMSTBENEDICTTOSTBERNARD

THECOUNTDEMONTALEMBERT MEMBEROFTHEFRENCHACADEMY

FIDEETVEEITATE

AUTHORISEDTRANSLATION

VOL.V.

WILLIAMBLACKWOODANDSONS EDINBURGHANDLONDON MDOCCLXVII publicLibrary

AETCT^,LHNOXAITO TIl-DENFOUNDATIONS R 1020 L THISENGLISHVERSIONOFHERHUSBAND'SWORK

ONTHECONVERSIONOFENGLAND

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MADAMEDEMONTALEMBERT.

THÉOPHILEFOISSET ANCIENCONSEILLER A LACOURD'APPELDEDUO

SOUVENIRRECONNAISSANT DE TRENTEANS D'UNEAMITIÉ VRAIE,FIDÈLE,ENTIERE, SANSLACUNEETSAN8RIDE.

AMICUSFIDELIS MEDICAMENTUMVIT>EET I MMORTALITATI8. ECCLI,VI.16.

CONTENTS.

CONCLUSIONOFBOOKXIII. CONTEMPORAEIESANDSUCCESSORSOPSTWILFRID,650-735. Chap. Paok III.EndoftheCelticHebesy.—Adamnan,Egbert,St Aldhelm,...... 8 IV.TheVenerableBede,.....57 V.TheEoyalMonks, . . . . .101

BOOKXIV. SocialandPoliticalInfluenceoftheMonksamong theAnglo-Saxons,...... 137

BOOKXV. TheAnglo-SaxonNuns, .....213

B.GenealogicalTableofNunsDescendedfromtheEaceof HengistandDynastyofthejEscings,KingsofKent. C.GenealogicalTable'ofNunsDescendedfromtheDynasty oftheKingsofMercia. D.GenealogicalTableofPrincessesoftheEaceofthe Uffings,KingsofEastAnglia,whotooktheVeil. E.GenealogicalTableoftheKingsofWessex.

CONCLUSIONOFBOOKXIII.

CONTEMPORARIESANDSUCCESSORSOFSTWILFRID, 650-735.

CHAPTERIII.

ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY.—ADAMNAN, EGBERT,STALDHELM.

TheKingofthePictsrequestsCeolfridtosendhimarchitects,andargu mentsinfavourofRomanunity.—AnswerofCeolfrid,inwhichhe quotesfromPlato.—ThePictsabandontheCelticpeculiarities.—The monksofIonaleavetheirmonasteriesratherthanadopttheRoman ritual.—Theirabbot,Adamnan,biographerofColumba,andthelast greatpersonageoftheCelticChurch.—HisrelationswithKingAldfrid andtheAbbotCeolfrid.—Heattemptsinvaintoleadthemonksof IonabacktoRomanrule,buthasmoresuccessinIreland,wherehe dies.—IonaisbroughtbacktoCatholicunitybytheAnglo-Saxon Egbert,theheadofacolonyofSaxonmonksinIreland.—Hisaustere andholylife.—Heloseshismostintimatefriend,whoreproacheshim fordesiringtosurvivehim.—HeuseshisinfluencewiththeAnglo- SaxonstosendthemasmissionariestoGermany.—Afterthirteenyears' struggle,heovercomestheresistanceofIona,anddiesonthevery daywhenthefeastofEasteriscelebratedbybothpartiestogether.— IrelandandCaledoniahavingbeenthusbroughtbacktoCatholic unity,onlytheBritonsofCambriaandCornwallremainoutsideits pale,byreasonoftheirnationalantipathyfortheSaxonconquerors. —NoteuponBede'sinjusticetothem.—AttemptofStAldhelmto bringthemin.—Hisroyalbirth,andeducation—halfCeltic,half Roman—atMalmesburyandCanterbury.—HebecomesAbbotof Malmesbury.—Hisliteraryfamegreaterthanhismerit; hisverna cularsongs; intellectualdevelopmentofAnglo-Saxoncloisters.— Extentandvarietyofhisstudies.—Hiscontinualsolicitudeforsouls. —Hisgreatmonasticcharacter.—Hiszealforpreaching.—Heinter feresinfavourofWilfrid.—HegoestoRometoobtaintheprivilege ofexemptionforMalmesbury,themonksofwhichpersistinretaining himasabbot,evenafterhispromotiontotheepiscopate.—Anecdote abouttheimportationofBibles.—DeathofAldhelm.—Hisexertions forbringingbackCelticdissenters.—HislettertotheKingofCorn wall.—TheBritonsofCambria,whohadresistedalltheeffortsof 4 ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY.

RomanandSaxonmissionaries,adopttheKomanritualbytheinflu enceofoneoftheirownbishops.—TheirpilgrimagestoRome.—End ofthestruggleOpinionofMabillon.—Resistanceproportionedto thedangerswhichbesetthespecialnationality.—Unionthework ofBenedictines.—IntheBritannicIsles,asamongtheGauls,Celtic monasticismconqueredandeclipsedbytheBenedictineorder.

ThememoryofCeolfrid,alongwiththatofhisfaith fulEnglish,hasfadedoutofthecountryinwhich hedied.Buthebelongsneverthelesstothegeneral historyoftheChurchbythedirectinfluencewhich heexercisedupontheconclusionofthatgreat strugglebetweenCelticChristianityandRoman unitywhichhadagitatedtheBritishIslesfor morethanacentury,andwhichhadcostsomany holymonks,fromAugustintoWilfrid,somuch anxiousthoughtandeffort.Ceolfrid,trainedin theschoolofWilfrid,hadthegloryofgivingthe lastblowtothatspeciesofschismwhichWil fridtohiscosthadconquered; andthissupreme victorywaswonattheverytimewhenWilfrid concludedinobscurityhislongandlaborious career. AyearafterthedeathofWilfrid,Nechtan,the kingofthosePictswhooccupiedthenorthof Caledonia,thesuccessorofthatBruidhwhoreceived thegreatCelticapostleColumba,wrotetoAbbot Ceolfridamemorableletter.Thistributaryking wasnotonlyaChristian,butgreatlyoccupiedby religiousquestions.Hemeditatedmuchonthe HolyScriptures,andwasthusledtounderstand, andtoregret,theadvantagesofCatholicunity,from ADAMNAN,EGBERT,STALDHELM.5

whichhisnationwastoacertainextentseparateby thepaschalquestion.Heresolvedtoleadbackhis peopletotheRomanrule,notwithstandingtheob stinateresistanceofthemonksofIona,thesonsof StColumba,whocontinuedtheapostolicalworkof theirpatriarch.Toovercometheiropposition,he^h^fte determined,inoneofthesingularrevolutionsofc3fridto mortalaffairs,.toaddresshimselftothatNorthum-architect briawhichhadbeenevangelisedbyCelticmission-mentsm ariesfromIona,imbuedwiththetraditionalerrorR^mau°f oftheirrace,butwhichheknewtohavealready7io!y' conformedtotherulesoftheRomanChurch.At thesametime,inseekingtheaidoftheAnglo- SaxonChurch,hedidnotapplyeithertothe bishopswhohaddividedamongthemselvesWil frid'sspoil,noreventothegreatMonasteryof Lindisfarne,whichhadbeensolongthepointof junctionbetweenthetworaces.Instead,he knockedatthedoorofthenewsanctuariesonthe banksoftheWearandTyne,towhichBenedict Biscophadgiventhehighestplaceinpublicvene ration; heaskedtheaidofAbbotCeolfrid,whofor twentyyearshadworthilyoccupiedtheplaceofthe holytraveller.Hesenttohimaspecialembassy toaskofhimgoodarguments,setforthinwriting, withwhichtorefutethepartisansofCelticritual isminrespecttoEasterandthetonsure;1andat 1 "Ifaiton. . . admonitusecclesiasticarumfrequentimeditatione seripturarnm.. . . QusesivitauxiliumdegenteAnglorumquosjamdu- dumadexemplumS.RomanseetApostolicseEcclesieesuamreligionem instituissecognovit.. . . Postulansutexhortatoriassibilitterasmitteret, 6 ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY.

thesametimeprayedtheabbottosendhimarchi tectstobuildhimachurchofstone,liketheRo mans,promisingtodedicatethechurch,whenbuilt, tothehonourofStPeter,andtofollowwithall hispeopletheobservancesoftheRomanChurchas muchasthedistanceanddifferenceoflanguage permittedthemtodo.1 Ceolfridsenthimarchitects,whowere,without doubt,monksofhiscommunity,andwhosemission thusgivesustheexactdateoftheintroductionof ChristianarchitectureintoScotland,whereupto thatmomentthechurchesweremadeofwood,or Answerof osiers,intheIrishfashion.Hewroteatthesame whichCeolfrid.heintime. tothe, rictish....kinga .longletter. whichi • 1 Beder» n quotes Plato. haspreservedtous,andinwhichhebeginsby quoting,nottheScripturesortheFathers,but Plato,inthatwell-knownpassageintheRepublic whereitissaidthat,forthehappinessoftheworld, itisnecessarythatkingsshouldbephilosophers, orphilosopherskings.Inthelegitimategloryof thegreatestthinkerofantiquitythereis,perhaps, noraypurerormorepreciousthanthatinvocation ofhisnameandauthority,morethanathousand yearsafterhisdeath,byaSaxonprelatetoaCeltic king,bothsprungfromracestotallyunknownto Greeceandhergreatmen."But,"addsCeolfrid, quibuspotentiusconfortareposseteosquiPaschanonsuotemporeobser- vareprsesumerent.. . . Sedetarchitectos. . . quijuxtamoremRo- manorumecclesiamdelapideingenteipsiusfacerent."—Bede,Hist. Eccles.,v.21. 1 "InquantumdumtaxattamlongeaEomanorumloquelaetnatione segregatinuncediscerepotuissent." ADAMNAN,EGBERT,STALDHELM.7

"ifamanoftheworldwasrightinthinkingand speakingthus,inwhatconcernsthephilosophyof thisworld,howmuchmoreoughtthecitizensof thecelestialcountry,exiledherebelow,todesire thatthegreatonesofthisearthshouldapplythem selvestoknowthelawsoftheSupremeJudge, and,bytheirexampleandauthority,tomakethese lawsobserved.Thuswetakeitasa markof heavenlyfavourbestowedontheChurcheachtime thatthemastersoftheworldapplythemselvesto know,toteach,ortokeepthetruth."1 Thereupon heentersintoa theologicalandastronomicaldis cussion,inwhich,passinginreviewthetextofthe Pentateuch,andthevariouscyclesusedfromthe timeofEusebiustothatofDenistheLittle,he provesthatEasteroughttobecelebrated,accord ingtotheusageoftheCatholicChurch,inthe thirdweekofthefirstlunarmonth,andalwayson Sunday.Asforthetonsure,headmitsthatitis, initself,anindifferentmatter; butheinsistsupon thefabuloustradition,whichalltheorthodoxthen heldasanarticleoffaith,bywhichtheKoman tonsure,intheformofacrown,wasattributedto StPeter,andtheIrishtonsure,inwhichthefront oftheheadwasshaven,toSimontheMagician. TheletteroftheNorthumbrianabbot,which appearstomodernreaderslongandwearisome, 1 "Vereomninodixitquidamseculariumscriptorum.. . . Quodsi dephilosophiahujusmundivereintelligereetdestatuhujusmundi meritodicerepotuithomohujusmundi,quautomagisccelestispatriee civibus."—Bede,ibid. 8 ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY. andtheirwascompletelysuccessful.Itwasreadpublicly dongtheantothePietistking,inpresenceofallthewise Stuai. men0I"tnecountry,translatedverballyintotheir language.Assoonashehadheardit,herose, and,inthemidstofthenoblesbywhomhewas surrounded,kneltdownandthankedGodtohave beensofortunateastohavereceivedsucha presentfromEngland."I knewwell,"hesaid, "thatthiswasthetruewayofcelebratingEaster. ButnowI seethereasonsoclearlythatI seem tohaveunderstoodnothingaboutitbefore.For thiscause,I takeyoualltowitness,allyouwho sitwithmehere,thatI willhenceforwardkeep Easterthus,withallmypeople,andIordainthat alltheclerksinmykingdomassumethistonsure."1 Theordinancewasimmediatelyputinoperation, andthemessengersofthekingcarriedintoallthe provincescopiesofthepaschalcalculation,with orderstoeffacetheancienttables.Themonks andotherecclesiasticshadalsotoreceivethe tonsureaccordingtotheRomancustom.Bede affirmsthatthechangewasreceivedwithuniversal joyinthePictishnation.Nevertheless,themonks whohadcomefromIona—thoseofthefamilyof Columb-MU,theColurnbites,asCeolfridcallsthem —actedastheirbrethrenatRiponandLindisfarne

1 "Epistola,pra>senteregeNaitono,multisquevirisdoctioribuslecta acdiligenterabhisquiintelligerepotuerantinlinguamejuspropriamin- terpretata. . . exsurgensdemediooptimatumsacroineonsessu.. . . Intantummodorationemhujustemporisobservandicognosco,utparum mihiomninovideardehisanteaintellexisse."—Bede,Hist.Eccles.,v.21. ADAMNAN,EGBERT,STALDHELM.9 hadactedfiftyyearsbefore.TheypreferredtoThemonks leavetheirestablishments,coloniesfoundedmoreleavetheir monas- thana centurybeforebytheirpatriarchandhis^™s^pjr disciples,ratherthantogiveuptheirinsulartradi-riteu^°man tion.Asingleline,shortbutexpressive,inthe annalsofIreland,bearswitnesstotheirfate.It isthussummedup—"KingNechtanexpelsthe familyofIonafromthepountrybeyondthe dorsumBritannice."1 ThecountrynowcalledScotlandwasthen divided,ashasbeenseen,betweenthePictsin thenorthandeast,theScotsinthewest,the BritonsinStrathclyde,andtheNorthumbriansin thesouth.ThesupremacyoftheNorthumbrian kings,uptothedownfallofEgfrid,overallthe districtssouthoftheClydeandForth,hadbeen sufficienttosecure,inthatpartofthecountry, theobservanceoftheRomanritual,represented bysuchmenasWilfridandCuthbert.Thecon versionofthePicts,underKingNechtan,tothe Romanrule,inrespecttoEaster,establishedlitur gicalandtheologicalunitythroughoutthenorthern partofGreatBritain,withtheexceptionofthe isleofIonaandthelittlekingdomoftheDalri- adianScots,whichprobablytothelastextremity remainedfaithfultotheritualandtraditionsof theirnationalsanctuary.

1 "ExpulsiofamiliseIetransdorsumBritanniseaNectanorege."— AnnalesTigernachii,adann.717.Seeabove,vol.iii.p.176,forthe descriptionofthemountain-rangecalleddorsumBritannice. 10 ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY.

Abbotofiona,and' —Adamnan,notwi^stan^ing>himselfAbbotaveryofeminentIona,andIrishthemonkmost biographer ' Cofumba.illustriousofColumba'ssuccessors—hadlongat- 624-703.temptedtoleadbackthemothercommunity, mistressofalltheCaledonianChurch,andalways influentialintheChurchofIreland,totheunity ofRome.Ifourreadershaveretainedintheir recollectionournarrativeofStColumba,theywill pardonusfordwellingalittleuponhisbiographer, ofalltheIrishmonkstheonetowhomposterity ismostindebted,forhisrevelationtous,notonly ofthatgreatman,theimmortalhonourofthe CelticChurch—butalsoofthespirit,generaland individual,andtheprivateandlocallifeofthat wholeChurch.Hewasthecountrymanandnear relativeofhisholypredecessor,sprung,likehim, fromthesovereignraceoftheNialls.Whenhewas butascholar,havingbeendedicatedfromhischild hoodtomonasticlife,hehad,accordingtothele gend,gainedthefavourofapowerfulchief—Fin- nachtatheFeasterorBanqueter.Whilebegging, accordingtotheusageofthetime,forhimselfand hisfivecompanions,eachofwhomtookitinturn toseekthedailynourishment,hemetthecavalcade ofthechief,andinrunningoutofthewaystruck againstastone,fell,andbrokethemilk-jarwhich hecarriedonhisback,andwhichcontainedall hehadcollected.1"Benotsad,"saidthechief, "Iwillprotectthee."WhenFinnachtabecame 1 Reeves,Append,adPrcef.,p.xlii. ADAMNAN,EGBERT,STALDHELM.11 monarchofallIreland,AdamnanwashisAn- macharaorspiritualcounsellor; andthisfact explainstheimportantpartheplayedinIreland duringhiswholelife.Afterhavingbeenamonk atIonaunderthreeabbots,hewashimselfelected abbotin679.Aldfrid,theNorthumbrianAprince,tionsHisreia-with brotherandsuccessorofEgfrid,thenanexilein Ald- Ireland,hadtakenrefugeinIona,andhadbe-685- comethefriendandthediscipleofAdamnan; and when,afterEgfrid'sdownfall,theexilebecame KingofNorthumberland,theabbotwenttohis formerguesttoreclaimthecaptives,menand women,whomthesoldiersofEgfridhadcarried awayinthepreviousyear,aftertheircrueland bloodyinvasionofIreland.1Hismissionwasnot entirelywithoutsuccess; forheobtainedfromhis friendtherestitutionofsixtyprisoners,whomhe himselfaccompaniedbacktoIreland.Hereturned onmorethanoneoccasiontovisitKingAldfrid, whoseliterarytastesresembledhisown.Hededi catedtohimhisdescriptionoftheholyplaces, whichhecompiledfromthenarrativesofaGallo- FrankishbishopcalledArculfe,who,returning fromPalestinebysea,hadbeenshipwreckedonthe coastofIreland,fromwhencehehadgonetovisit thestillcelebratedsanctuaryofIona.Thanksto theliberalityofthelearnedKingAldfrid,whose tasteforgeographicalstudieswehavealready remarked,agreatnumberofcopiesweremadeof 1 Seevol.iv.p.288. 12 ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY. thistreatise,thatitmightbelargelydistributed andreadevenbythelowerclasses.1 Itwasduringthesejourneystoandfrothatthe cultivatedandferventabbot2learnedtounderstand thenewcustomsintroducedintotheAnglo-Saxon ChurchbytheeffortsofWilfrid,andalthoughthere isnotraceinhislifeofanyactualencounterbe tweenhimandthegreatchampionofRomanunity, itiscertainthatAdamnan,whileinNorthumbria, wassothoroughlymovedbythespirittherediffused byWilfrid,thatheleftthecountrywiththereso lutionofhenceforwardpreferringtheritesofthe universalChurchtothoseofalittlenationatthe endoftheworld.3Ceolfriddidmuchtoenlighten himonthispoint; inhislettertotheKingofthe PictsherelatesthevisitofAdamnantoWear- mouth,andtheirconferencesonthesubjectofthe tonsure."Holybrother,"saidtheNorthumbrian abbottotheIrishprelate,"youaspiretoanim mortalcrown,whydoyouwearonyourheadso imperfectanimageofit? andifyoudesirethe societyofStPeter,whydoyoubearthetonsure ofhimwhoanathematisedStPeter?""Beloved brother,"1 "PerejusansweredeislargitionemAdamnan,etiamminoribus"ifadIbearlegendumthecontradi-ton- tus."—Bede,v.15.Bedehasinsertedmanyextractsofthisdescription inActahisSanctorum.History; Mabillonpublishesitentireattheendofvol.iv.ofhis 2 "Eratvirbonusetsapiensetscientiascripturarumnobilissimeinstruc- tus. . . abbasetsacerdosColumbiensiumegregius."—Ibid.,v.16,21. 3 "Cumvideretritusecclesisecanonicos. . . inecclesiisAnglorum . . . cumsuispaucissimusetinextremomimdiangulopositis. . . mutatusmenteest."—Ibid.,c.15. ADAMNAN,EGBERT,STALDHELM.13 sureofSimontheMagician,accordingtothecus tomofmycountry,donotthinkthatIdetestthe lesstheSimoniacalheresy.Idesiretofollowwith mybestpowersthefootstepsofthePrinceof Apostles.""I believeit,"saidCeolfrid,"butin thatcaseitwouldbebesttowearopenlythemark oftheApostlePeterwhichyouhaveinyour heart."1Itisapparentbythisthattheleaderof theIrishChurchdidnotevendisputetheimputed origin,atoncefabulousandinjurious,ofhisnational custom. Butwhen,onhisreturntolona,heattemptedHeat- toleadthechildrenofStColumbatohisnewcon-ratoPtoiead victionandtotheRomanrule,heencounteredanmonksof lonato unconquerableresistance.Tobetreatedasbar-Roman -1 usage. bariansandrustics2bytheNorthumbrianmonks anddoctorstroubledthemlittle; theywereaware thattheirspiritualancestorshadbeeninitiated intotheChristianfaithtwocenturiesbeforethe Anglo-Saxons,whoforthemostparthadbeen drawnoutofthedarknessofpaganismonlyby theapostolicself-devotionofthosewhomtheir descendantsdisdained.TheCelts,accordingly, adheredobstinatelytothetraditionalritesoftheir gloriousancestors.Whentheysawtheirchief returnwiththeRomantonsure,thesurpriseand indignationofthemonksoflonaweresuchthat 1 "Sciasprocerto. . . quiaetsiSimonistonsuramexconsuetudine patriahabeam,simoniacamtamenperfidiamtotamentedetestorac respuo."—Bedi,t.21. 2 Ibid.,iii.4. 14 ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY.

theyhavefoundforminanIrishlegend.1The differencebetweenthesuperiorandthecommunity becamesopainfulthatAdamnan,whowasofa humbleandpeaceablecharacter,couldnothold headagainstit.Withoutabdicating,heyetceased toliveinhismonastery,andpassedagreatpartof theremainderofhislifeinIreland.2Hededicated himselfwithardourtotheworkofreunion,meet ingtherewithmuchgreatersuccessthaninhisown community.SouthernIreland,ashasbeenseen, hadalreadyreturnedtoRomanunity,evenbefore WilfridundertookhisgreatworkinEngland. Adamnanwasthemeansofbringingbackcentral andnorthernIrelandtothesamerule.Hepro curedthetriumphspeciallyoftheRomanEaster andtheorthodoxtonsure,exceptinthecommunities directlyundertheswayofhisownmonasteryatIona. Thisvictorywasnotwonwithoutgreatdifficulty, buthisgentlenessandmodestytriumphedoverall.8

1 MacFirbisorForbes.—IrishAnnals,MS.quotedbyBeeves,p.xli. 2 TheannalsofIrelandgivehispresencetherein692and697.At thelatterdatehegaveforththeLawofInnocents,orofAdamnan(see above,vol.iii.p.302).Hisbookswerewritteninthemidstofhisjour neysandpastoralcares,ashesaysinthepreambleofhistreatiseDe LocisSanctis:"Quseetego,quamlibetinterlaboriosasetpropeinsus- tentabilestotadieundiqueconglobatasecclesiasticassollicitudinescon- stitutus,viliquamvissermonedescripensdeclai'avi."HewrotehisLife ofStColumbabetweenhistwojourneysfromIreland,from692to697. Hesaysnothinginitofhisdifferencewithhiscwnmonksinrespectto Easter,buthementionstheprophecyofColumbaatClonmacnoiseupon discord: "QusepostdiesmultosobdiversitatemPaschalisfestiortaest interScotiseecclesias."HeremainedinIrelandprobablyfrom697to 703,aperiodatwhich,accordingtoBede,hewasstillthere.Itwas not3 too"Prsedicansmuchforeisthemodestadifficultexhortationetaskhehadto. .fulfil.. peneomnesquiabHiien- ADAMNAN,EGBERT,STALDHELM.15

HediedthesameJyearashisfriend,thewiseKing623dHisdeath.Sept. Aldfrid.Beforehisdeath,andafterhavingcele-704or705. bratedinIrelandthecanonicalEaster,hemadea lastattempttowinoverthefamilyofColumba, whichhehadgovernedforthirtyyears.Itwasin vain; allhisentreatieswererepulsed; butGod graciouslygranted,saysBede,thatthisman,who lovedunityandpeaceaboveeverything,should attaintoeternallifebeforethereturnofthepas chalsolemnitymadethediscordbetweenhimself andhisdisobedientmonksnotorious.1 ThevictorywhichAdamnan,thecountrymanionais, liowGVpr andsuccessorofStColumba,couldnotgain,wasbrought' reservedforamanofanotherracebutequalholi-«nityby J theAnglo- ness—theAnglo-SaxonEgbert.Thelifeofthis|»^ monkisanexampleofthenumerousandsalutary716-729- relationswhichexistedbetweentheIrishCeltsand theAnglo-Saxons,andwhichhadbeensoodiously disturbedbytheinexcusableinvasionoftheNorth umbriankingEgfrid.Itis inconnectionwith thisinvasionthatthenameofEgberthasalready appearedinthisnarrative.2Hewasoneofthe manyEnglishwhocrossedtheseainnumbersso considerableastofillentirefleets,andwhothrew themselvesupontheIrishshorelikeflightsofbees, siumdominioerantliberi,aberroreavitocorrectosadunitatemreduxit catholicam."—Bede,v.15. 1 Adamnanhasalwaysbeenveneratedasa saint.Seethearticle uponhim,Bollanii.,vol.vii.Sept.,24th,andtheBreviaryofAberdeen. Itisassertedthatheateonlytwiceintheweek—SundayandThursday. —Ann.desQuatreMattres,ap.Beeves,p.lvii. 2 Seevol.iv.p.289. 10 ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY.

toenjoythehospitality,bothintellectualandma terial,oftheIrishmonasteries; while,ontheother hand,theGreekTheodore,ArchbishopofCanter buryandPrimateofEngland,lived,bya happy exchangeofbrotherlykindness,surroundedbya crowdofyoungIrishmonks.SomeoftheAnglo- Saxons,whosoughtasuperiorasceticeducationin theIrishmonasteries,returnedtoEngland,fre quentlyfillingplacesofthehighestdignitythere, andedifyingtheircountrymenbytheirknowledge andvirtue;1whileothersremained,castingintheir lotforeverwiththemonasticranksofIreland. Austereand Egbertstoodinthefirstrankofthosenumerous ofEgbertscionsoftheAnglo-Saxonnobilitywhointheir inIreland. 635-735.youthbecamevoluntaryexilesforChrist,inorder todevotethemselvesinIreland,farfromtheirre lationsandtheirpossessions,toalifeofpenitence, and,aboveall,tothestudyoftheHolyScriptures.2 Hewasonlytwenty-fivewhentheterriblepesti lencebrokeoutwhich,immediatelyafterthefirst triumphofWilfridattheconferenceofWhitby, madesuchcruelravagesintheBritishIsles.He was1 Amongthen,others,withCeadda,severaltheoffirsthisrivalcountrymen,ofWilfridatinYork,amon-and

jEdilwin,ofwhomBedesays: "IpseHiberniamgratialegendiadiit,et beneinstructuspatriamrediit,atqueepiscopusinprovinciaLindissifac- tus,multoecclesiamtemporenobilissimerexit."—Hist.Eccles.,iii.27. Seewhathasbeenalreadysaid(vol.iv.p.457,note)oftheelderbrother ofAbbotCeolfridofYarrow. 2 "InHiberniadiutiusexulaveratproChristo. . . doctissimusin scripturisetlongsevitseperfectioneeximius.. . . DenobilibusAnglo- rum.. . . Quemperegrinamducerevitamproadipiseendainccelispatria retulimus."—Hist.Eccles.,v.9. ADAMNAN,EGBERT,STALDHELM.17 astery,thesiteofwhichisatpresentrepresented bythepicturesqueruinsofMellifont; hesawhis companionsdyingaroundhimdaily,andwhen atlasthewashimselfaffectedbythecontagion, hehadstrengthenoughtoleavetheinfirmary,and withdrawtoasolitaryplacetoreviewhislifeand weepoverhissins.Hehadeventhecourageto prayGodtosparehislifeuntilhehadexpiatedthe faultsofhisyouthbygoodworks,andmadeavow ifhisprayerwasgrantedtoremainanexileforever, andreturntoEnglandnomore.Hethenwentin andlaydownagain,besideanotheryoungman,his closestandmostintimatefriend,whowasmortally stricken,andlayinasleepthatwasalmostdeath. Allatoncetheyoungsuffererawoke."Ah,brotherHeloses Egbert,whathaveyoudone?"hesaid."Ihopedintimate itp friend,who sothatweshouldhaveenteredeternallifeto-reproaches himfor gether: andnowyouletmediewithoutyou: wishingto o ' J J ]lvewithout knowatleastthatyourprayerisgranted."The,lim-. youngmandiedthatnight; butEgbertsurvived forsixty-fiveyears,andbecamea modelofall monasticvirtues.Notonlydidhecallforththe affectionateadmirationofhisAnglo-Saxoncoun trymen,buteveninIreland,sofertileinmarvels ofholiness,heappearedaneminentsaint.He emulatedthemostillustriousinhiszealforknow ledge,inhiseagernesstodistributetothepoorthe giftslavisheduponhimbytherich,andinthe austeritiesofhislife.Thegreathistorianofthe ChristiangloriesoftheAnglo-Saxonracehasnot vol.v. B 18 ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY.

disdainedtoinformusthatduringLent,andeven forfortydaysafterChristmas,andfiftydaysafter Whitsuntide,hisentirenourishmentconsistedofa littlebread,withmilkfromwhichthecreamhad beencarefullyremoved.Itwasatthispricethat therightofspeakingwithauthoritytothenations, andofwalkingbeforetheminthewayofsalva tion,waspurchased.1 HeusesUs Heemployedhisinfluenceoverthetworaces influencem overthe whichrivalledeachotherinhonouringhisholiness, Anglo- _ & ' sendthemoutyfortneirg00^>theirhonour,andthegeneral ariS1into1welfareoftheChurch.Thoughhedidnotsucceed, Germany,notwithstandinghisentreaties,inturningEgfrid, thekingofhisnativeNorthumbria,fromthecrime ofhisabominableinvasionofIreland,hewasmore fortunatewithothersofhiscountrymen,whomhe transformedintomissionariesofthefaithtothe Germans.InhisasceticexileinIrelandhewas thefirstoftheAnglo-Saxonstoconceivethegene rous,thedivineideaofsendingtothehelpofthe mother-country,toGermany,whichstillbelonged toSatan,thesonsofherBritanniccolonytoshow

1 "Egressusesttemporematutinodecubiculoinquoinfirmiquiesee- bant. . . finitislacrymis,precibusetvotis.. . . Expergefactussodalis respexiteum....0fraterEcgbert,0quidfecisti? Sperabamquia pariteradvitamaiternamintraremus.. . . Undeetgentisuseetillisin quibusexulabatnationibusScottorumsivePictorumexemplovivendi. . . multumprofuit.. . . Quodlacpridienovuminphialiaponeresolebat, etpostnoctemablatasuperficiecrassiore,ipseresiduumcummodico panebibebat."—Bede,iii.27.Bede,whoisalwayscarefultocitehis authorities,informsusthathegatheredalltheseparticularsfromapriest, "veracissimusetvenerandsecanitiei,"towhomEgberthadnarratedhis life.Bede,whowasbornin673,wasmorethanfiftywhenEgbertdied. ADAMNAN,EGBERT,STALDHELM.19 herthepathofvirtueandoflife.1Heknewwell whenceitwasthathisAnglo-Saxonancestorshad come,andthattheyhadleftbehindthemin darknessacrowdofothertribes,ofthesamestock andlanguage,whoseimagestoleuponhisimagina tion,asdidthatofthelittleIrishchildrenwhose plaintivevoicesStPatrickheardinhisdreams,and whosevisionaryappealsdecidedthatsaint,oncea slave,tobecometheapostleoftheircountry.2 Faithfultothevowwhichforbadehimtoland, eveninpassing,uponthesoilofhisnativeisland, Egbertchartereda shiptotakehimdirectfrom IrelandtoFriesland,onthenortherncoastofGer many.Butashewasabouttoembark,oneofhis travellingcompanions,whohadbeenamonkat Melrose,lyingdowntosleepaftermatins,sawin a dreamthepriorBoswell,thetenderfriendof Cuthbert,3andbelovedmasterofthenovicesat Melrose,oneofthegreatsaintsoftheCelticChurch inNorthumbria,whochargedhimtowarnEgbert thatthewillofGodordainedhimtogiveup hisGermanicmission,andtodevotehimself,will inglyorunwillingly,totheinstructionandcon versionoftheColumbitemonasteries."Their

1 "InGermaniaplurimasnoveratessenationes,aquibusAnglivel SaxonesquinuncBritanniamincolunt,genusetoriginemduxissenoscun- tur.. . .' SuntautemFresones,Rugini,Dani,Huni,antiquiSaxones, Boructuarii.. . . ChristimilescircumnavigataBritanniadisposuitsi quosforteexillisereptosSatanseadChristumtransferrevaleret."— Bede,2 Seev.vol.9. ii.p.390.

3 SeevoLiv.p.382and398. 20 ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY.

ploughsdonotgostraight,"saidthepriortohis formerpupil; <:theymustbeputbackintothe rightfurrow."1Thisdream,thoughtwicerepeated, madenoimpressionuponEgbert; buthisship havingbeencastashore,heacknowledgedthewill ofGod,andgaveuphischerishedproject,sofar asrelatedtohimself.Asmany,however,ofthe ferventandzealousmonksamonghisowncoun trymenwhomhecouldmovetosuchadetermina tionhesentinhisplace; whenanyreturneddis couragedbytheirwantofsuccess,hesoughtand foundothersmorecapableormorefortunate; and itwasthusthebeginningmadebyEgbertthat gavetoGermanyVicbert,Willibrord,Swidbert, thetwoEwalds,andotherholybishopsorabbots, whosenamesarejustlyveneratedbyGermanyas herapostles,andwhomweshallfindagaininthe historyofthatcountryifitispermittedtousto pursueourtasksofar. EgbertleadsItwasintheyearofCeolfrid'sdeath,eleven backthe monkslonatooftheyearsafterthedeathofAdamnan,andsevenJyears unityoftheafterthatofWilfrid,thattheAnglo-SaxonEgbert Roman o o ritual. succeededinovercomingthemostobstinatestrong holdofCelticdissidence,andprocuredthetriumph ofRomanunityinthemonasticmetropoliswhich hadbeenfoundedbythemostillustrioussaintof theCelticChurch.Astrangerofanalienand 1 "Cumexpletisljymnismatutinalibusinlectulomembraposuissem . . . apparuitmagisterquondammeusetnutritoramantissimus.. . . Vadeetdieillisquia,velitnolit,debetadmonasteriaColumbsevenire, quiaaratraeoruuinonrecteincedunt."—Bede,v.9. ADAMNAN,EGBERT,STALDHELM.21

oftenhostileracethusaccomplishedthetaskin whichAdamnanhadfailed.Hewasfromthefirst receivedbythemonksofIonawiththegreatestre spect; and,employingnomeansbutthoseafforded himbythedelightfulsuavityofhisdisposition, thesoftandperseveringinfluenceofhisconversa tion,and,aboveall,theexampleofalifesoperfectly conformedtohisdoctrine,hetriumphedoverthe inveteratedislikeofthesonsofStColumbaforthat innovationwhichwastoreunitethemtotherest ofChristendom.Itisnotprobablethathesuc ceededatonce,sincehelivedforthethirteenlast yearsofhislifeatIona,inthelongfamousisland whichhehopedtocrownwithanewglorybybring ingitbackintotheorbitofCatholicunity.But hisvictorywascompleteandfinal.HediedattheHedies . nil-thereon .age° of.ninetyJ onEaster-day,. the.regularcelebration. Easter-day,24thApril ofwhichhadpreoccupied,excited,andagitated729. somanysaintsbeforehim.Itfell,intheyearof hisdeath,onthe24thApril—thatistosay,ona daywhenithadneverbeenandnevercouldbe observed,accordingtothecomputationfollowed bytheIrish.Afterhavingcommenced,alongwith hisbrethrenwhomhehadthejoytoleadbackto Catholicunity,tocelebrateonearththegreatest solemnityoftheliturgicalyear,hewenttocom pleteitinheavenwithourLord,theholyApostles, andallthecitizensofthecelestialcountry,where theeternalcelebrationceasesnomore.1 1 "Doctorsuavissimus. . . libenterauditusabuniversis,immutavit 22 ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY.

AllthemonasteriessubordinatetoIonafollowed theexampleoftheirmetropolitancommunityin theadoptionoftheRomanEasterandtheorthodox tonsure.Thereisgroundforbelievingthatthey acceptedatthesametimetheBenedictinerule, sincenoneofthenumerousmonksandmission ariessentforthbythemintoFrance,andspecially intoGermany,carriedanyotherruleswiththem thanthoseoftheorderofStBenedict.1 Irelandthusfounditselfentirelybroughtunder thelawsofRomandiscipline.Itwasbyheraction, andinhersouthernprovinces,thatthefirstmove mentofreturntounity2—amovement carriedout byAdamnauwith,exceptinIonaanditsdepen dencies,universalsuccess—hadbeenbegunbythe Councilof634.Thecountrymostdistantand leastaccessibletoRomaninfluence,withdrawn behindWalesandthesea,whichmadeadouble rampartforher,wasthusthefirstconquestofthe principleofunity.3Caledonia,themodernScot land,representedbythePicts,thefarthestnorth andmostuntamableofallthepopulationsofthe BritishIsles,soonfollowed.And,finally,Iona piisacsedulisexhortationibusinveteratamillamtraditionemparentum eorum....Ininsulaquamipsevelutnovaquadamrelucentegratia ecclesiasticalsocietatisetpacisChristiconsecraverat. . . gaudiumsum- msefestivitatisquodcumfratribusquosadnnitatisgratiamconverterat, inchoavit,cumDominoetapostoliscseterisquecadicivibuscomplevit, immoidipsumcelebraresinefinenondesinit."—Bede,v.22. 1 Mabillon,inPrcefai.III.Sec.Bened.,No.16. 2 Secvol.iv.p.151. 3 Varin,Memoiralreadyquoted. ADAMNAN,EGBERT,STALDHELM.23 herselfyielded,increasing,byallthenumerous familyofColumb-kill,thecrowdedranksoffaith fulandobedientchildrenintheRomanChurch.1

TheBritonsofCambriaaloneresisted; they,theTheBritons ofCambria nearestofall,exposedr everyJ dayJ totheexample,A al°pemamobsti-«-. eftbrts,andpersuasionsoftheorthodox,aloneper-jV^^8" sistedinthecustomswhichtheyhadrefusedto^^crtto sacrificetoAugustin.Bede,theillustriouscon temporaryofthoselaststruggles,growsindignant overthisinsurmountableobstinacy.Hecontrasts itwiththedocilityoftheIrishandScotch,and attemptstoexplainthecausesofthedifference.2 "TheScottishnation,"hesays,"communicated franklyandgenerouslytotheAnglo-Saxons,bythe ministrationsofAidanandothermissionaries,the truthasfarassheknewit; inreturn,sheowesto theAnglo-Saxonstheperfectorderandregularity whichwerewantingtoher.ButtheBritons,who hadneverwishedtorevealtheChristianreligion totheAnglo-Saxons,burythemselvesdeeperand deeperintheirerror,nowthattheEnglishare initiatedintoalltheveritiesoftheCatholicfaith. 1 Itmustbeacknowledgedthatfromthismomenttheinfluenceofthis celebratedsanctuarywentondiminishing,thoughitstillremainedmuch beyondthatoftherestoftheCelticChurch. 2 Headmits,however,thatinthetimeofAdamnantheexampleof IrelandwascontagiousforacertainnumberofBritons,v.17: "Plurima parsScottoruminHibernia,etnonnullaetiamdeBritonibusinBritannia, ecclesiasticumpaschalisobservantisetempussuscepit."TheBritonsof CumberlandandofStrathclyde,whoweremoredirectlyundertheinflu enceandauthorityofNorthumbriankingsandpontiffs,areprobablyre ferredtointhispassage. 24 ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY.

Theyholdhightheirtonsuredheads,butnotin theformofa crown; andtheyprofesstocele bratetheChristiansolemnitieswhileseparating themselvesfromtheChurchofChrist."1 RealmotiveAlittlereflectionoughttohavebeensufficientto fortheir . resistance,convincethehonestBedethatsomeothermotive thanprejudiceorreligiouspassionhadtodowith theinfatuatedresistanceoftheBritons; itwas thepatrioticsentimentwhichtheAnglo-Saxons hadmortallywounded,andwhichBedehimself, likea trueEnglishman,doesnotseemtohave beenabletocomprehendasexistinginthevictims ofSaxoninvasion.TheAnglo-Saxonshadnever attackedIrelandbeforethepassingincursionof Egfrid.Theyfoughtonlybyintervals,orheld themselvesuponthedefensiveagainstthePictsand ScotsofScotland; whileagainsttheBritonswar andconflictwereperpetual.Thiswardatedfrom thefirstlandingoftheSaxons.Ithadbegunlong beforethemissionofAugustin,andhadlastedfor threecenturieswhenBedewrote.2Itwasnotthen thedoctrinesorusagesofRome,itwastheecclesi asticalsupremacyandmoralinvasionoftheSaxons, whichtheremnantoftheBritishnation,withdrawn withinitsinaccessiblestrongholdofCambria,re pelledwiththeenergyofdesperation.Foracentury andahalf,uptothemomentofAugustin'sarrival, 1 "Ipsiadhucinveteratietclaudicantesinsemitissuis,etcapitasine coronaprcetenduntetsolemniaChristisineEcclesiseChristisocietato venerantur."—Bede,v.22. * Varin,Memoiralreadyquoted. ADAMNAN,EGBERT,STALDHELM.25 religionandpatriotismhadborneanequalpartin theirhorrorforthepaganbarbarianswhohad comefirsttowaste,andthentotakepossessionof theirnativeisland.Theyhadseen,withequal distrustandrepugnance,thesesavageinvaders, whoseeternaldamnationseemedtothema sort ofconsolatoryjustice,graduallyintroducedinto thefoldoftheChurch.Bymaintainingtheir ancientcustoms,bycelebratingEasteratadiffer entdate,byseeingontheshavenbrowsoftheir clergythedistinctivesignoftheirindependent originandtradition,theytestifiedtheirincredulity oftheChristianityoftheirenemies,andraiseda supremeprotestinfavouroftheirownvanquished butnotextirpatednationality,beforeGodand man.1 WhileWilfridconsumedhislife,inthenorthofAttemptsof . StAldhebu England,ina struggleagainsttheenmitieswhich*°bring

1 ThisiscalledbyBede,inlanguagetoolikethatwhichMuscovite writersofourowndayemployinrespecttothePoles,adomesticand immoralhatred:"Britonesmaximaexpartedomesticosibiodiogentem AnglorumettotiusEcclesisecatholicaestatumPascha,minusrectemoribus- queimprobispugnant." ThereisnojustreasonforimputingtotheBritish ChristiansalowerrateofmoralsthanthoseoftheSaxonconverts; but ourvenerablehistorian,blindedbyhispassionsandprejudices,goesstill further,andyields,assomanyhavedoneafterhim,tothehatefultemp tationofidentifyingtheworkofGodwithahumanconquest: "Tamen etdivinasibiethumanaprorsusresistentevirtute,inneutrocupitum possuntobtinerepropositum: quippequiquamvisexpartesuisuntjuris, nonnullatamenexparteAnglorumsuntservitiomancipati."—v.23.He sayselsewhere(v.18)thatStAldhelmwrote: "Librumegregiumad- versuserroremBritonum,quovelPaschanonsuotemporecelebrant,vel aliaperpluraecclesiasticcecastitatietpacicontrariagerunt."InallAld- helm'swritingsthathavebeenpreservedtousthereisnottheleastallu- tiontotheirregularmoralsoftheCelticclergy. 26 ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY. backthe probablyfomentedandaggravatedtheopposition Britonsto unity. oftheCeltstohisinnovations,acelebratedmonk namedAldhelm,abouthisownage,andwho 703. diedinthesameyear,distinguishedhimselfby hiseffortstoleadbacktheBritonswhowere subjectsofthekingdomofWessex,orlivedon itsborders,toRomanunity,aswellastoextend andconsolidatetheChristianfaithamongthe WesternSaxons.Hisfamewastoogreatinthe middleages,andhehasbeentoooftenquotedin ourowndayamongthepioneersofliterature,to Hisroyalbepassedoverbyuswithoutremark.1Hewasde- education,scendedfromthatpowerfulraceofCerdicwhich halfRoman, , 645(?)-675.halfCeltic,traceditsgenealogy" bJupr tothegod° Wodenor Odin,2andwhichreignedovertheSaxonsofthe Westuntilthemomentcamewhenitunitedall thekingdomsoftheHeptarchyunderitsdominion. Aldhelm,whohadbeendevotedfromhisyouthto religiousandliterarystudies,wassoonattracted bya schoolwhichhadjustriseninhisnative kingdom,andofwhichhewasdestinedtobecome

1 ExceptcertainlinesinBede(v.18),andthebiographicaldetails whichhavebeenfoundinAldhelm'sworks,wehavenocontemporary informationastohislife.ButWilliamofMalmesbury,inthetwelfth century,andbeforehimanothermonk,Faricius,amemberofthegreat monasteryofwhichAldhelmhadbeenabbot,compiledtwoseparate biographiesofthesaint,fromthetraditionsoftheircommunity.The workofWilliam,whichisverycurious,hasbeenpublishedbyMabillon andtheBollandistsinanabridgedform,whichwasalltheythemselves knewofit. ThecompletetextistobefoundonlyintheAngliaSaera ofWharton,vol.ii. TheliterarypositionofAldhelmhasbeenably examinedbyLingard(Anglo-SaxonChurch,vol.ii.)andOzanam(Etudes Germaniqws,vol.ii.489). 2 Chron.Saxon.,ad.ann.552. ADAMNAN,EGBERT,STALDHELM.27 theprincipalglory.AScottishmonknamed Ma'idulf,movedbythesameimpulsewhichled somanyAnglo-Saxonstothecloistersandher mitagesofIreland,hadcometoEnglandtoseeka solitudewherehecouldprayandstudyinpeace. Heestablishedhimselfinanimmenseforestupon thebordersofWessexandMercia,andlivedthere asahermit,shelteredbyahutwhichhehadbeen allowedtobuildunderthewallsofanoldcastle,a placewhichhadcomeintothepossessionofthe Saxonkingsafterhavingbeenthedwellingof Britishchiefs,andwasthesoleremnantofa BritishtownwhichtheTeutonicconquerorshad destroyed.1TheCelticsolitary,toprovidehimself withthemeansofliving,openeda school.Any maninourday,inanycountryintheworldexcept theFarWestofAmerica,whoshouldopena schoolina wood,wouldrungreatriskofdying thereofhunger.Butatthattimesuchathirst forinstructionhadarisenamongtheAnglo-Saxons, andthefountainsatwhichtheycouldsatisfyit weresorare,thatthespeculationofMa'idulf succeededperfectly.Scholarscametohimin sufficientnumberstoenablehimshortlytoforma community,andamongtherestcameAldhelm, firstasa pupilandafterwardsasa monk.2He

1 LiberAntiquitatumMeldunensisCcenobii,ap.Dugdale,Monasticon. Theremembranceofthiscatastropheappearstosurviveinthemodern nameofBroken-borough,notfarfromMalmesbury. 2 "Deficientibusnecessariisscholaresindiscipulatumaccepitut eorumliberalitatevictustenuitatemcorrigeret.Miprocedentitem 28 ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY.

AbbotHebecomesof remainedthereforfifteenyears,J waselectedabbot bury.Maimes-onthedeathofMaidulf,andbyy hisexertionsthe foundationoftheCelticanchoritebecameoneof theprincipalmonasteriesinEngland,still,how ever,bearingthenameoftheoldandsaintly strangerwhomtheCeltswerealwaysproudto remembertheyhadgivenasamastertothegreat HisstudiesAldhelm.1Before,however,hewascalledtorulehisco atCanter bury, disciples,ofotherinstructionsAldhelmdesiredthanthosetohaveofhistheCelticadvantagemaster.

HewentrepeatedlytoCanterbury,2wherethegreat monasticschoolshadtakennewlifeunderthatAb botAdrianwhomwehavealreadysooftenreferred 669. to,andwhohadcomefromAfricawiththeAsiatic ArchbishopTheodore,topresideovertheCatholic educationoftheAnglo-Saxons.Thiseminent man,describedbyamonastichistorianfourcen turiesafterhisdeathasthemasterofmasters, thefountainheadandcentreoflettersandarts, gainedtheheartofAldhelmbydevelopingthe fulnessofhisintelligence.TheyoungWest

poremagistrisequacesexscholaribusmonachieffecti,inconventumnon exiguumcoaluere."—Guill.Malmesbur.,VitaAldhelmi,ap.Whar- ton,page3. 1 Maildulf'sburgh,whenceMalmesbnry."Abbasmonasteriiquod Maildufiurbemnuncupavit."—Bede,v.18. "Aquodamsanctoviro denostrogenerenntrituses."—Epist.ScotiAnonym.,ap.Giles,p.98. 2 ItisdifficulttoconceivehowWilliamofMalmesburycouldattribute thefirsttrainingofAldhelmtotheAbbotAdrian.Aldhelm,whodied aseptuagenarianin709,musthavebeenatleasttwentyin669,theyear inwhichAdrianlandedinEngland.Besides,itisprovedthatAldhelm madetwodistinctvisitstoCanterbury. ADAMNAN,EGBERT,STALDHELM.29

SaxoncameoutofthehandsofhisAfricanpre ceptorfurnishedwithallwhichthenconstituted a courseofliteraryandreligiousinstruction.1 Duringhisentirelifeheretainedagratefulrecol lectionofhisteacher,andtookpleasureindating thetruebirthofhismindfromhisresidenceat Canterbury."Itisyou,mybeloved,"hewrote toAdrian,"whohavebeenthevenerableteacher ofmyrudeinfancy,itisyouwhomI embrace withtheeffusionofa puretenderness,longing muchtoreturntoyou."2 thatItwasprofoundthusatknowledgeCanterburyofthattheAldhelmHolyScriptures,acquiredreputation,literaryHisgreat thatloveofGreek,LatinandHebrew,theselite rarytastesandhabits,whichgainedhimthefirst placeintheuniversaladmirationofhiscountry men.Notonlycontemporaries,suchasBede,8but theirdistantdescendants,offeredhima homage whichhasattractedtheunaccustomedattentionof severalmodernwriters.Iamawarethatheisthe firstSaxonwhosewritingshavebeenpreserved,4 thefirstmanofTeutonicracewhocultivated

1 "QueminarcemscientisestetissequiAnglonimgestaperleget,in- telliget.. . . Fonsliberarumvivusartium."—Guill.Malmesb.,p.3. 2 '' Eeverendissimopatrimesequerudisinfantisevenerandoprseeep- tori....Micharissime,quenigratiapursedilectionisamplector."— AldhelmiOpera,p.330,ed.Giles. 3 "Virundecumquedoctissimus: nametsermonenitidus,etscriptu- rarumtamliberaliumqnamecclesiasticarumerateruditionemirandus."— Bede,v.18. 4 "Constatneminemnostrasstirpisprosapiagenitum,etGermanics? gentiscunabulisconfotum,inhujusccmodinegocioantenostrammedio- critatemtantoperedesudasse."—Epist.adAcircium,ed.Giles,p.327. 30 ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY.

theLatinmuse,asheboastsinapplyingtohim selfwhilestillveryyoungtheselinesofVirgil:— "Primusegoinpatriammecum,raodovitasupersit, AoniorediensdeducamverticeMusas. PrimusIdumaeasreferamtibi,Mantua,palmas." ButI cannotbutthinkthathisliteraryimport ancehasbeensingularlyexaggerated.Ofallthe FathersoftheChurch,orevenofecclesiastical writersgenerally,I knownonewhoseproductions aremorewearisome.Hehasneitherthefiery originalityofCeadmonnortheeloquentandelegant simplicityofBede.Heiscertainlywell-informed forhistime,andisnotwithoutacertainwarmth offeelingwhenhismindisnotfrozenbypedantic formalism.Sometimesheapplieshappilytexts fromtheBible,andinhisfamousessaysinprose andverseuponvirginsandvirginityheshows himselfthoroughlyinstructedinsacredandeccle siasticalhistory.Hisverses,rhymedandun- rhymed,arealittlebetterthanhisprose,butstill aredestituteofanyspecialcharmorbrilliancy, notwithstandingthepompousaffectationofhis imagesandmetaphors.Butinverseandinprose, thisTeuton,inwhomitwouldbepleasanttofind somethingwildandprimitive,delightsinliterary sleight-of-hand,inacrostics,inenigmas,inallitera tions,inaplayuponwords,andachildishandgro tesqueredundanceofexpression1—inshort,inall 1 Ireferthosewhomaythinkmetoosevere,andwhomaynothave athandtheconvenientvolumepublishedbyDrGiles,totheextracts fromStAldhelmgivenbyLingardandOzanam. ADAMNAN,EGBERT,STALDHELM.31 thepaltryrefinementsoftheGreekandLatin decadence. Weshouldjudgehimnodoubtmorelenientlyifwe wereacquaintedwithhisAnglo-Saxonworks,which musthavecontributedlargelytohispopularrepu tation.ButofthesethereremainstousonlyaHisAngio- Saxon vaguerecollection,associatedwiththemostcurious«>ngs»>- ° ' tendedto andtouchingfeatureofhisyouth.Whatwouldt!;keth? ° J placeof notonegivetohavetheactualtextofthosecan-serm0Ils- tidesandballadswhichhesanguponthebridges andatthewaysidecorners,lyinginwaitforthe Saxonpeasantswholeftchurchinhasteassoonas masswasovertoavoidthesermon1 Appearing beforethemasamusician,oneoftheirordinary bards,heattemptednodoubttoteachthem,under thatpopularandfascinatingformofutterance, thesametruthsofreligionwhichitweariedthem tohearfromthepulpit.1Thesesongsinthever naculartongueretainedtheirpopularityforseveral centuries,andgainedforAldhelmthehonourof beingproclaimedprinceofAnglo-Saxonpoetryby thegreatKingAlfred. ThemoststrikingparticularinthehistoryandLiterary writingsofAldhelmistheviewtheyaffordusofSaxon 1 "Litterisadplenuminstruetus,nativsequoquelingusenonneglige- batcarmina,adeont,testelibrojElfredi. . . nullaunquamastatepar fueritquisquam,poesimAnglicanipossefacerevelcanere.. . . Carmen trivialequodadhucvulgocantitaturfecisse.. . . Populumeotempore semi-barbarum,parumdivinissermonibusintentumstatimcantatismissis domoscursitaresolitum; ideosanctumvirumsuperpontemquiruraet urbemcontinuat,abeuntibnsseopposuisseobicem,quasiartemcanendi professum.. . . Hoccommentosensiminterludicraverbisscripturarum insertis,civesadsanitatemreduxisse."—Guill.Malmesb.,p.4. 32 ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY. cloisterstheliteraryandintellectuallife,developedasit inthe • I O 1-1 «eventhwereina moment,inthefeaxoncloisters,almost century. beforetheircompletion,byaninspiringbreath,at onceCatholicandclassic,fromItalyandtheEast. Thesamephenomenonhadbeenapparenttwo centuriesearlierintheIrishmonasteriesunderan inspirationmoreoriginalbutlesseasytostudy. Thisliterarylifehaditscloudsanditspettinesses, itspretentiousandaffectedaspect.Butsucha blossomingofhumanthought,ofstudyandknow ledge,ofpoetryandeloquence,inthebosomofa barbarousandwarlikerace,stillapparentlyab sorbedbywar,invasions,dynasticanddomestic revolutions,andallthestormsandblunderswhich characterisethechildhoodofsociety,isnottheless agreatandwonderfulsight. Extentvarietyandof Thegood° andevilsides_ ofthisdevelopmentx Aidheim'scouldnotbebettermanifestedthanintheperson knowledge. A ofStAldhelm,andespeciallyintheextentand varietyofhisinformation.Hewasanexcellent musician,andstudiedeagerlyalltheinstruments knowninhisday.1Whatwasstillmorerare,he hadstudiedRomanlaw,2happilyignoredbyall theotherAnglo-Saxonmonksandmenofletters, evenincludingthevenerableBede,whoselearning 1 "Omniainstrumentaqusefidibusvelfistulisautaliisvarietatibus melodisefieripossunt...inquotidianousuhabuit."—Faricius,Vita Aldhelm.,ap.Bolland.,t.vi.Maii,p.83. 2 HehimselfstatesthisinalettertohispredecessorHedda,ed.Giles, p.96.CompareLapvenberg,i. 196.I donotknowhowPalgrave discoveredtheexistencesomewhereofamanuscripttreatiseofAldhelm uponRomanlaw,which,in1832,hehopedsoontopublish. ADAMNAN,EGBERT,STAL.DHELM.33 seemeduniversal.Hewasacquainted,ashasbeen seen,withthethreesacredlanguages,andknew enoughofHebrewtoreadtheBibleintheoriginal. HenotonlyreadGreek,butspokeandpronounced itlikeanancientGreek,accordingtothetwopro fessorswhomKingIna,cousinofAldhelm,brought fromGreecetoaidhiminhisstudies.Asfor Latin,itoccupiedhimonlytoomuch.Hemakes wearisomedissertationsupontheminutedetailsof grammar,prosody,andmetricalrules,andquotes toextremityVirgilandLucan,PersiusandTerence, HoraceandJuvenal; heevenquotesJuvencusand thePriapeia! Atthesametime,bisliterary. orclassical. occu-■ stantHiscon-solici- pationsr nevermadehimlosesightofthe. exigenciestude80uls-for oftenorperilsquoted,ofthehesoul.warnsoneInaofletterhiscountrymenwhichhasbeenwho wasgoingtostudyinIrelandagainstthedangers ofpaganphilosophy,and,aboveall,ofmythology. "Whatfruit,"heasks,"canorthodoxtruthderive fromthestudiesofamanwhospendshisstrength inexaminingintotheincestsoftheimpurePro serpine,theadventuresofthepetulantHermione, thebacchanalsofLupercus,ortheparasitesof Priapus1 Allthathasvanished; ithasbecomeas nothingbeforetheCross,victoriousoverdeath."1.

1 "Quidnam,rogitumquseso,orthodoxsefideisacramentocommodi affertcircatemeratumspurcseProserpinwincestum. . . enucleatele- gendoscrutendoquesordescere. . . quse. . . almamortismortestipite patibuliaftixa,solotenusdirutaevanuere."—Epist.adWilfrid.,ed.Giles, p.337. VOL.V. C 34 ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY.

Thisanxietyforthesalvationofsouls,which hegivesasthemotiveofallhisworks,revealsit selfespeciallyinhiscorrespondence.Forexample, herearecertainexpressionsinaletterwhichmight havebeenaddressedyesterdaytotheyouth,half clerical,halfnoble,oftheUniversitiesofOxford orCambridge—sounchangingistheAnglo-Saxon natureinitsvicesasinitsvirtues: "DearEthel- wald,whoareatoncemysonandmydisciple,you arestillveryyoung; but,Ientreatyou,donotlet yourselfbetoomuchinbondagetothevainpleas uresofthisworld.Avoidcarefullydailyexcesses indrinking,longandendlessrepasts,evenriding- partiestoomuchprolonged,andeveryother miserablesensualdelight.1Iimploreyoualsonot toletyourselfbeovercomebytheloveofmoney orofvainglory,orbythatsecularboastingwhich isodioustoGod.Consecrateratheryourtime, mybeloved,tothestudyoftheScripturesandto prayer; andifyouwish,inaddition,tostudysecu larliterature,doitwiththespecialintentionof understandingbetterthesacredtext,themeaning ofwhichdependsalmosteverywhereontheunder standingoftherulesofgrammar.Putthisletter amongyourotherbooks,thatyoumayreaditover andoveragain."

1 "Siveinquotidianispotationibusetconviviisusufrequentioreac prolixioreinhonestesuperfluis,siveinequitandivagationeculpabili.. . . Seuinquibuslibetcorporese.delectationisvoluptatibusexecrandis.. . . Multomagis,miamantissime,vellectionibusdivinis,velorationibus sacrissemperinvigik."—P.332,ed.Giles. ADAMNAN,EGBERT,STALDHELM.35

IndedicatinghisvoluminoustreatiseonLatin versification,aftertwentyyears'absence,tothe chief1ofa NorthumbrianorScottishtribewho hadbeenhiscompanioninhisstudies,andhadbe comehisspiritualson,heinsistswarmlythatthe poorprince,whomhecallshis"veryreverendson," shouldconsiderita dutytoreadthewearisome volumefrombeginningtoend.Heexpatiatesat lengthuponthetroublewhichhisproductionhad costhiminthemidstofhispastoralcares,andthe convulsionsoftheage."Itwouldbeabsurd,"he says,"ifyoudidnottakethetroubletoeatwhat Ihavetakensomuchpainstogrindandmakeinto bread."2Thenheinvokestheexampleofthegreat EmperorTheodosius,who,whilerulingtheworld, foundtimetocopytheeighteenbooksofthegram marianPriscian.Butheadds: "Letnotthe soundofthetrumpetofthelastjudgmentdepart fromyourears; letitrecalltoyoudayandnight thebookofthelaw,whichoughttobemedi tateddayandnight.Youwillneversinifyou thinkalwaysofyourlastend.Whatisourpros perityherebelow? a dream,a vapour,thefoam onthesea.Godgrantthatthepossessionofpre sentgoodmaynotholdtoustheplaceoffuture 1 ItisnotknownwhothisAcirciuswas,whomhedescribespompously as"Aquilonalisimperiisceptragubernanti,"butwhomheremindsthat theycontractedintheiryouth"inextricabileconglutinatifcederispignus." 2 "Absurdumnempearbitrorsi. . . illudtepigeatvelutinsolescen- temacdelicatumpaulatimmasticareacruminare,quodmenonpiguit, utpotepistorispinsentisofficiofunctum,commolereettollere."—P.328, ed.Giles. 38 ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY.

Hethussubstitutedtheteachingsandtraditionsof CanterburyfortheinfluenceofhisfirstCelticmas ter.This,however,wasnotpromptedbyself-in dulgence,forhecontinued,asdidWilfridhimself, faithfultothegreatausteritieswhichcharacterised Irishmonasticlife.Aldhelmimposeduponhim selfthesameextraordinarypenancesaswerehabit ualtotheCelticmonks.Tosubduetheimpulses ofthefleshhewouldplungeduringthenightinto afountainnearthemonastery,andthereremain immersedtotheneck,tillhehadsaidthePsalter, andthisinwinterasinsummer.Thefountain longretainedhisname,andthememoryofhis wonderfulausterities.1I supposeheisthesole poet,thesolephilosopher,ofwhomsuchrecol lectionshavebeenpreserved. Hiszeal Buthewasfarfromconcentrating;hiszealwith- forpreach-m ° ine- inthenarrowenclosureofhismonastery.Itwashe

hisfaininstitutionthefirsthomage:— everofferedbyaTeutonicpentoStBenedictand "TemporibusfaustusBenedictusclamitisdem, QuemDeusAusoniseClemensindulseratauctor.. . . Primoquistatuitnostrsecertaminavitae, Qualiteroptatamteneantccenobianormam, Quoquemodoproperetdirectotramitesanetns, Adsuperaseandensccelorumculminacultor; Cnjusprceclarampandensaboriginevitam Grasgoriusprsesulchartisdescripseratolim, Doneetethralemfelixmigraretinarcem. a QuosHujusgeritaiumnorumingremionumerofcecundaglomeramusBritanniaovantes,cives, Aquojamnobisbaptismigratiafluxit, Atquemagistrorumvenerandacatervacucurrit." DeLaudibusVirginum,p.159. 1 "Utvimrebellicorporiconscinderet,fontisehumerotenusimmer- gebat.Ibinecglacialeminhyemefrigorem,necsestatenebulasexlocis palustribushalantes,curans.. . . Fonsille...invalleccenobiileni- busscatebrisfluens."—Guill.Malmesb.,p.13. ADAMNAN,EGBERT,STALDHELM.39

who,byhispreaching,completedtheconquestof Wessex,thekingdomwhich,ahundredyearsafter hisdeath,wastoabsorbtheothersevenkingdoms oftheHeptarchy.Thisworkwaslongandla borious.ThepeopleseemtohavebeenChristian onlyinname: theyneitherlistenedtothepriests norattendedthechurches.Aldhelmemployedall theresourcesofhiseloquencetoattractthem.He evenwenttothefairsandmarketplaces,mingled withthegroupsofbuyersandsellers,andsuc ceeded,byhispersuasiveaddresses,inmakingthem leavetheirmerchandiseforthemoment,andfol lowhimtothechurch,wherehefedthemwith thebreadofthedivineWord.1 HisanxietyforthegoodofsoulsandtheHeinter- . feresin honouroftheChurchextendedevenbeyondhisfavourof Wilfrid. nativeprovince.Hewasnotindifferent,aswere somanyotherholybishopsandabbotsofhis time,tothenoblestrugglesofWilfrid.Oneof hislettersstillexists,addressedtothenumerous membersofWilfrid'sclergywhohadabandoned theirpontiffinthemidstofbistrials,andwho, duringhisexile,soughtthefavourofhisperse cutors.1 "Illiusprovincial"Ientreatpopulns,youperversusonmyopere,knees,"quamviswrotesubditusAld-fidei nostra,ecclesiamnonfrequentabat,necsacerdotumctrrabatimperium: quemvirblandusverbismonenssuavibus.. . . Mercatorumexdiversis linquentesveniebatpatribusmultitudoobviandoadtempnscongregabaturmercimoniaQuidameoremmaxima. . . post. :. cui. hsecpropater.quibus. iste. repedabantextraveneranturbemrc-ad propria,animabussuisdivinopriusofficiosaginatis."—Bolland., t.vi.Maii,p.85. 40 ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY.

helm,"nottoallowyourselvestobedisturbed bythehurricanewhichhasjustshakenthefoun dationsofyourChurch,thesoundofwhichhas echoedeventous.Ifitisneedful,takecour agetoleavethecountryofyourfatherswith yourbishop,andfollowhimintoexile.What pain,whatlabourshouldeverbeallowedtosepa rateyoufromhimwhohasfedyou,trainedyou, carriedyouinhisarmsandonhisbreast,withso tenderacharity\ . . . Lookatthemenoftheworld, whoarestrangerstoallknowledgeofdivinethings. Whatwouldbesaidoflaymenwho,afterhaving lovedandservedtheirlordinhisprosperity, shouldabandonhimwhenhefellintomisfortune andpoverty? Whatwouldbesaidofthosewho shouldpreferthereposeoftheirownhearths, insteadofjoiningthemselvestothemiseryand exileoftheirprince% Bywhatauniversalex plosionoflaughter,ofcontempt,andexecration, wouldnottheybeoverwhelmed1 Andyoutoo, youpriests,whatwillnotbesaidofyouifyou allowthebishopwhoordainedyoutogoalone intobanishment?"1 Wearenotinformedwhat wastheeffectofthisletter; butitisnottheless curioustobeholdourAnglo-Saxonabbot,worthy

1 "Vosvisceralescontribulos,flexisgenuumpoplitibus,subnixaex- poscoprece.. . . Eccesecularesdivinsescientiseextorres,sidevotum dgminumqueminprosperitatedilexerunt. . . deseruerint.. . . Nonneexecrabilescachinniridiculoetgannatursestrepituabomnibus ducuntur?Quidergodevobisdicetur? " etc.—EpistolaadChrum WilfridiEpiscopi,p.335. ADAMNAN,EGBERT,STALDHELM.41 descendantofOdin,invokingtotheaidofepisco palauthority,andendeavouringtoawakeinthe breastsofhispriestlybrethren,thattraditionof personaldevotion,thatpassionatesentimentof fealtytoprinceandlord,ofwhichtheAnglo- Saxonshaveleftussomanytouchingexamples. AldhelmwasthetruefounderofMalmes- bury,ofwhichhewasabbotforthirtyyears. Itwastohimitowedthepowerfulandpopular- existencewhichlastedtillanadvancedperiod inthemiddleages; . andheattractedtoit an immensecrowdofmonksandstudents.1Bythe grandeurandvarietyofhisbuildings,hemade itthemostmagnificentedificewhichthenex istedinEngland.Thesympathywhichexisted betweenhimandthekingsandnoblesofWessex andMerciaprocuredvastterritorialgiftstothe monasterysituatedonthebordersofthetwo kingdoms.Theabbatialdemesne,whichcontained onlythirtydairies2whenhebecameabbot,in cludedmorethanfourhundredathisdeath.InHegoesto i vi i ciRometo ordertoprotect1 theliberty* andproperty4 x " oftheobtainprivilegetheof communityasmuchaspossiblefromlayorec-^™gJion- clesiasticalcupidity,hewenttoHome,withthe consentofthekingsofMerciaandAVessex,and obtainedfromPopeSergiusI.anactofprivilege

1 "CurrebaturadAldbelmumtotissemitis: hisvitasanctimoniam, illislitterarumscientiamdesiderantibus.. . . Tuncresmonasteriiin immensumaugeri."—Guill.Malmesb.,p.10. 2 I translatethusthecassatosofWilliam,whichI supposetobe equivalenttothemoreusualtermcasata. 42 ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY.

whichplacedtheMonasteryofMalmesburyand itsdependenciesunderthespecialprotectionofthe HolySee,andguaranteedtothemanabsolute independenceofallsecularorepiscopalauthority.1 Whenhebecameabishop,Aldhelmtookpainsto havethisexemptionconfirmed,withallrequisite solemnity,byhiscousin,KingIna. comesHebe-a Forhetoobecame. a bishopx towardstheend 705hop'of^islife,andinspiteofallhiseffortstobe deliveredfromthisburden.Onthedeathofthe bishopoftheWestSaxons,Hedda,theplanof ArchbishopTheodorewasbroughtintooperation todividehisvastdioceseintotwo.Anew bishopricwascreatedatSherburne,whichstill, however,wasofmuchtoovastextent,sinceib includedalmostallthesouth-westofEngland tothepointofCornwall,whichtheWestSaxons hadnotyetcompletelyconquered.2Aldhelmwas

1 TheauthenticityoftheActgivenbyWilliamhasbeencontested, butthefactoftheexemptiondoesnotseemdoubtful.Onthissubject theBollandistssay,"Talesexemptiones(fromepiscopaljurisdiction), liceteotemporerariores,nonomninoinusitatasfuisseostenditerudi- tissimusMabilio,deRediplomatica,1. i. c.3,exquibuscorrigasquse alibiforteincontrariumdiximus."Ourreaderswillnotwishusto enterintothecoarsefables,littletothehonourofthePapacy,which thebiographersofAldhelmhavemingledwiththenarrativeofhis journeytoRome,nortotheextraordinarytrialwhichtheholyauthor oftheEulogyofVirginity,likeRobertd'Arbrisselata laterperiod, imposeduponhimselftoprovehisvictoryoverhissenses."Quomodo," saysHenschenius,withreason,"monachoidcredamfuissepermissum?" Anditiswelltoadd,asMalmesburysaysonanotheroccasion,"Non enimegetAldhelmnsutmendaciisasseratur." 2 TheseatoftheancientdiocesecontinuedatWinchester.Thatof SherburnewasshortlyafterwardstransferredtoSarumorSalisbury.It comprehendedthesixexistingcountiesofWilts,Berks,Somerset,Dor ADAMNAN,EGBERT,STALDHELM.43 calledtothisnewdiocese.Afterhispromotion itwashisdesirethatthemonksofhisdifferent communities1—or,ashesaid,hisfamilies—should proceed,inallfreedom,totheelectionofa new abbot; buttheyobstinatelyrefusedtogivehim a successor.Tohisreiteratedrequeststheyan swered,"Aslongasyoulive,wewilllivewith youandunderyou.Butonethingweaskofyou unanimously.Itis,toguaranteetous,bythe HolyScripturesandtheconsentofthepowerful, thatafteryourdeathneitherking,norbishop,nor anymanwhatsoever,ecclesiasticorlayman,may exerciseoverusanauthoritywhichweare'not willingtoaccept."2Aldhelmprocuredanac knowledgmentoftheperpetualfreedomofthe monastery,whichhecontinuedtorule,fromhisButnever- cousinKing° Ina,fromhiscolleague° theBishoprAbbottimiesof ofWinchester,andfromalltheclergyofWessex^^ea' assembledinsynod.HethenwenttoCanterbury tobeconsecratedbytheformercompanionofhis studies,theArchbishopBrithwald,successorofthe greatTheodore. Acuriousincidentisassociatedwiththisjourney. set,Devonshire,andCornwall.Itwasafterwardssubdivided,andthe twoadditionaldiocesesofBathandExetertakenfromit. 1 Therewerethreeofthese—Malmesbury,Frome,andBradford,the twolatterhavingsprungfromtheformer. 2 "Abbatemquemsibispontaneavocefamiliarnmmearumoptio, consonavoceelegisset.. . . Utnulluspostobitumtuumnecregalis audacitas,necpontificalisauctoritas,velaliquidecclesiastic*seusecu- larisdignitatisvir,sinenostravoluntatisarbitrio,innobissibivindicet principatum."—Epist.AldhelmideLibertatePropriaElectionis,ap. Guill.Malmesb.,Bolland.,andGiles,p.350. 44 ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY.

WhenAldhelmwasatCanterburyhelearnedthat shipsfromFrance,fromthelandoftheMorins, hadtouchedatDover.Onreceivingthisnewshe wenttoDover,hopingtofindamongtheircargoes booksorotherarticlesofusetohischurch.And, infact,hediddiscoveramongthemerchandisedis playedupontheshoremanybooks,andoneinpar ticular,ofwhich,afterhavingcarefullyexaminedit, heaskedtheprice.Thesailors,seeinghimsopoorly clad,laughedathim,andpushedhimroughlyaway. Soonaftera stormbrokeout,endangeringthe anchoredship.Aldhelmthrewhimselfintoaboat (like*thegeneroussailorsinthelifeboatsatthepre sentday),toaidthecrewofthethreatenedvessel. Athisprayerthewavescalmeddown,andtheir livesweresaved; thesailors,confusedanddeeply touched,thengavehimthebookhedesired.It wasa completeBible,theOldandNewTesta ments,whichhecarriedwithhimasa precious treasuretoMalmesbury.1Thisanecdoteisnot withoutinterestinconnectionwiththehistoryof materialandintellectualcommerceinEngland; it shows,too,thatsofarfrominterdictingthestudy 1 "Spatiabatursanctusjuxtamare,intentosqueoculosmercimoniis infigebat,siquidfortecommodumecclesiasticousuiattulissentnautse quie GallicosinuinAngliamprovectilibrorumcopiamapportassent. ConspicatuslibrumtotiusTestamentiVeterisetNoviseriemcontinen- tem.. . . Cumgnarusfoliavolveret,pretiumeffringeret,barbarieum nauticalasciviaconviciisaggrediuntur.. . . Moxipseinscaphaascensa virtuteremigumperielitantesadisset,mutatainbonum."—Guill. Malmesb.,p.20.Cf.Bolland.,lococit.,p.8. ThisBiblewasstillin existenceatMalmesburyinthetimeofthehistorian—morethanfour centuriesafterthedeathofAldhelm. ADAMNAN,EGBERT,STALDHELM.45 oftheBible,asthemodernEnglishsoblindly accuseherofdoing,theChurch,fromthemost primitivetimes,hasneglectednooccasionof spreadingtheknowledgeofit. TheepiscopateofAldhelmlastedonlyfouryears,Deathof whichhepassedincontinualjourneysthroughhis25thMay vastdiocese,preachingdayandnight.Hediedin thesameyearashismaster,thefamousAfrican abbot,AdrianofCanterbury,andhisillustrious contemporary,WilfridofYork.Deathsurprised him,asitdidtheholyapostleofNorthumberland,1 ina village,2duringoneofhisapostolicjourneys. Accordingtohisowndesire,hedrewhislast breathinthelittlewoodenchurchtowhichhehad cometopreachthewordofGod; thestoneon whichhelaidhisdyingheadwasshownlongafter- 'wards. Suchwasthemantowhomallagreeinattribut-whathe ingtheprincipalpartinputtingdownwhathasbackthe beencalledtheschisminthewestandsouthofsidents.

1 Seevol.iv.p.45. 2 AtDultinginSomersetshire."Inprsedicationibusnoctesperinde acdieseontinuans,dicecesesnonsegnitercircumiens.. . . Ligneaerat ecclesia,inquaseultimumspiransafferrejussit."—Guill.Malmesb.,' p.23.Eightcenturiesafterhisdeathhisfeastwasstillcelebratedat Malmesburybysuchacrowdofworshippersthat,accordingtoCamden, thepresenceofatroopofsoldiers,cohorsmilitum,wasnecessarytopre ventdisorder.ThencametheReformationofHenryVIII.,withits usualtrainofdevastations.ThemagnificentchurchofMalmesbury wouldhavebeenrazedtothegroundhadnotaweaverboughtitfrom thekingtoestablishhisloomsthere.Themonasterywassacked.The preciousMSS.ofhislibrarywerelongemployedtofillupbrokenwindows intheneighbouringhouses,ortolightthebakers'fires.—Maitland's DarkAges,p.281. 46 ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY.

GreatBritain.Itisinterestingtosearchoutinhis writings,asinhislife,allthetracesofhisconnec tionwiththeCelts.Theyare,however,fewin number,andseemallconnectedeitherwithhis firsteducationundertheCelticMa'idulf,orhis consequentliterarystudies.Hereceivespompous complimentsfromseveralIrishmen,oneofwhom requestsfromhimtheloanofa book,andafter wardsthathewouldreceivehimasa disciple, sendinghima specimenofLatinverses,andan nouncingthathecouldeasilyfindhorsesanda servantforthejourneyifAldhelm'sanswerwas favourable.1Another,exiled,ashedescribesit,in themostdistantcorneroftheFrankishkingdom, besidethetombofhisholycountrymanFursy(at Lagny-sur-Marne),begshim,whomhecallsthe ArchimandriteoftheSaxons,tosendhimhisLatin panegyrics.2Atanothertime,itisthesonofa Scottishking,learnedintheliteratureofhistime, whosendsallhisworkstoAldhelm,inorderthat thefileofsoaccomplishedageniusmayruboffthe Scottishrustfromthem.8Thenwefindhim,in his1 "Dominoownperson,sancto,sapientissimo,congratulatingChristoquidemoneofcarissimohisAldhelmoAnglo-

ScotusiguotinominisinDeoseternosalutem,"etc.—P.98,ed.Giles. 2 "Dominolectricibusditatostudiismellifluisqueornatolueubratiun- culis,AldhelmoArchimandritseSaxonum.. . . CellanusinHibernensi insulanatus,inextremoFrancorumlimitislatensanguloexul." Aldhelm answers: "Mirorquodmetantillumhomunculumdefamosoetflorigero FrancorumrurevestrasfraternitatisindustriaiuterpellatSaxonicseprolis prosapiagenitum."—P.331,ed.Giles. 8 "ArcivillumregisSeotisefilium.. . . TJtperfectiingeniilimaerade- returscabredoScotica."—Guill.Malmhsb.,p.4. ADAMNAN,EGBEET,STALDHELM.4*1

SaxonfriendsonhisreturnfromfoggyIreland, afterhavingstudiedthereforsixyears.Onthis occasionhegivesusanemphaticpictureofthe constantjourneysofEnglishstudents,whofilled wholefleetsgoingandcomingtoIreland,inorder toexaminedeeply,notonlyintothesecretsof grammar,geometry,andphysicalscience,butalso intoallthedifferentinterpretationsofScripture, "asif,"hesays,"therewasa failureofGreek andLatinmastersingreenandfertileEnglandto explaintheobscuritiesofthecelestiallibrarytoall whodesiretoknowthem."Thenheinstanceshis dearmasterAdrian,ofineffableurbanity,andthe metropolitanTheodore,whomherepresentssur roundedbyatroopofIrishdisciples,likeawild boarsurroundedbyacrowdoffuriousdogs,hold ingthemback,asbystrokesofhistusks,bythe nervousvigourofhisdialectics,andthecloseranks ofhissyllogisms.1 Inallthisthereisnoallusiontothereligiousdif ferenceswhichseparatedtheCeltsfromtheAnglo- Saxons,anomissionwhichisofitselfanewproofof thereconciliationalreadyeffectedbetweentheIrish 1 "ExHibernisebrumosisinsulseclimatibus.. . . Tamerebermeatus est(istincillincque,istucillucque)navigerosequoreasfretantiumcalle gurgites.. . . CurHiberniaquocatervatimistinclectoresclassibusad- vecticonflunnt. . . acsiistic,fceeundoBritannia)incespite,didascali Argividorus,HibernensiumRomanivequiritesglobominimediscipulorumrepeririqueant.(seuaper. .truculentus. EtiamsiMolos-Theo- sorumcatastaringentevallatus),stipetur; limatopernicitergrammatico denterebellesphalangesdiscutit,"etc.—P.92-94,ed.Giles;Cf.Ozanam, op.cit.,492.Thislettermusthavebeenwrittenbefore690,thedateof Theodore'sdcath. 48 ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY.

CeltsandtheAnglo-Saxonclergy,whiletheBritish Celtsremainedobstinateintheirdistinctandeven hostileobservances.Sincethegreatvictoriesof theNorthumbriankingsitwasspeciallytheWest Saxonswhocarriedonthestruggleagainstthe Britonswhohadtakenrefugeinthemountainous peninsulasofCambriaandCornwall,andwhose unweariedresistancewasnodoubtsecondedinan unforeseenandoftendangerouswaybytheother Britonsscatteredthroughthedistrictsalreadycon- About69o.queredbytheSaxons.Afteroneofthesewarsor insurrections,morecruelthanusual,thenational assemblyoftheWestSaxonsdeliberatedlongover themeasuresitwouldbebesttotakebywayofget tingridofoneoftheprincipalobstaclestothefusion ofthetworaces,byleadingbackthevanquishedBri tonstounityinrespecttopaschalobservances.The discussionlastedseveraldays.Atlast,startingfrom theprinciplethatnoforcemustbeemployed,but solelyreasonandpersuasion,itwasresolvedthat AbbotAldhelm,whowasasblamelessinlifeasin doctrine,shouldbechargedtoteachthemthetrue lawsoftheChurch,andtoendtheschism,forthe honourofhiscountry,aswellasforthecommon salvation.1Anationalcouncil(probablythatof 1 "TuncrebellionemmeditantesKentuinusrextamanxiacsedeper- domuit,utnihilulteriussperarent.. . . HincfrequenterWest-Saxonum conventus,crebriccetuseoacti. . . sententiaperpluresdiesmultover- borumagminevolutata,nuncfinemhabuit: nonvicogendosschismati- cossedrationibusducendos.. . . AmbiturprecibusB.vir,uthunclabo- remimpendat. . . patriselaudietcunetorumincommunesaluti."— Guill.Malmesb.,p.14.Cf.Bollant),I.c,p.87. ADAMNAN,EGBERT,STALDHELM.49

Becancelde),atwhichalmostalltheAnglo-Saxon clergywererepresented,confirmedthemissionwhich theAbbotofMalmesburyhadreceivedfromhis countrymen.Heacceptedthetaskwithhisusual charity.Withoutadventuringhispersoninthe midstoftheserefractorytribes,headdressedhim selftotheirchiefsandclergyinwriting.Anun expectedx successattended. hisefforts.OfallthatAbbotLetterAidof hewroteonthissubjectJ thereremains_ tousonlyJ heimtotheBritish oneletter,addressedtoa rpettyJ Britishking°who£nsof„Cornwall. stillmaintainedhisindependenceinCornwall,at692or698- theextremepointofsouthernEngland.Hedraws initastrikingpictureofthereligiousseparation, ofthemoralrepulsion,whichstillattheendofthe seventhcenturyroselikeawallbetweenthetwo races—betweenthevictorsandthevanquished. "BeyondthemouthoftheSevern,"hesays,"the priestsofCambria,proudofthepurityoftheir morals,havesuchahorrorofcommunicationwith usthattheyrefusetopraywithusinthechurches, ortoseatthemselvesatthesametable; morethan this,whatisleftfromourmealsisthrowntodogs andswine,thedishesandbottleswehaveusedhave toberubbedwithsand,orpurifiedbyfire,before theywillcondescendtotouchthem.TheBritons giveusneitherthesalutationnorthekissofpeace; andifoneofuswenttoliveintheircountry,the nativeswouldholdnocommunicationwithhim tillafterhehadbeenmadetoendureapenance offortydays." vol.v. d 50. ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY.

Aldhelmthenenlargesuponthecruelscandalof suchstrugglesandhatredsintheChurchofChrist. Hediscussesinsuccessionthequestionoftheton sureandthatofpaschalobservance."Weentreat youonourknees,"hesays,"inviewofourfuture andcommoncountryinheaven,andoftheangels, ourfuturefellow-countrymen—weadjureyounotto persevereinyourarrogantcontemptofthedecrees ofStPeter,andthetraditionsoftheRomanChurch, byaproudandtyrannicalattachmenttothesta tutesofyourancestors.. . . Whatevermaybethe perfectionofgoodworks,theyareunprofitableout oftheCatholicChurch,aliketocenobites,how everfaithfullytheymayfollowtheirrule,andto anchoriteshiddeninthewildestsolitudes.Tosum upeverythinginoneword,itisvainforanyman totakecredittohimselfforbelongingtotheCatho licfaithsolongasherejectsthedoctrineandrule ofStPeter.ForthefoundationoftheChurchand theconsolidationofthefaith,placedfirstinChrist andsecondlyinStPeter,waversnotbeforethe assaultsofanytempest.ItisonPeterthatthe TruthhimselfconferredtheprivilegeoftheChurch, saying,'ThouartPeter,anduponthisrockIwill buildmyChurch."'1 1 "Gcruntioregi,simulquecunctisDeisacerdotibusperDomnonia conversantibus.. . . Nupercumeniminconcilioepiscoporumextota peneBritanniainnumeraliilisDeisacerdotumcatervaconfluxit.. . . De- metarumsacerdotesdeprivatapropriseconversationismunditiagloriantea nostramcommunionemmagnopereabominantur. . . reliquiasepularum lurconumcanumrictibusetimmundisdevorandosporciaprojiciunt. Vaseulaquoqueetphialas.. . . Proptercomniunemccelestispatrisesor- ADAMNAN,EGBERT,STALDHELM.51

Itisgenerallyadmittedthatthezealandelo quenceofAldhelmledbacktoorthodoxrulea greatmanyBritons,especiallythosewholived underthedailyextendingswayofthekingsof Wessex.1Buteventhenarrativesmostfavour abletohimmakeitapparentthatalldidnotyield. Thegreaterpartofthosewhoretainedtheirinde pendencebeyondtheSevernremained,according toallappearance,inaccessibletohisefforts. Whenatlengththeyyielded,itwasnottotheTheBri- • n o ml ■ *ons°f preachingorinfluenceofa stranger,ihevictoryc*m^ri*' whichneitherthelearnedSaxonabbotnortheresistedthe effortsof greatRomanmissionarycouldwin,wastheworksaxonmis- o J ' sionanes, ofa nativeprelate.Elbod,BishopofBangor,a Britonbybirth,succeeded,notwithoutmuchre-obedience sistance,inintroducingtheRomancomputation,toiwfof

temetangelicsesodalitatiscollegium. . . flexispoplitibus. . . suppliciter efflagitamusut. . . traditionemEcclesieeEomansepropterpriscapriorum statutevestrorumnequaquamtyrannicafretipeitinaciaarroganterasper- nemini.. . . PetroautemveritasitaprivilegiumsanxitEccleste."— P.83-89,ed.Giles.Twowordslittleusedintheseventhcentury— baronesandkatharos—thefirstappliedtomilitarychiefs,thesecondto hereticswhothoughtthemselvespurerthantheirneighbours—willbere markedinthiscuriousletter. 1 "Scripsit,jubentesynodosusegentis,librumegregiumadversus erroremBritonum. . . multosqueeorumquioccidentalibusSaxonibus subditierantBritones,adcatholicamDominiciPaschsecelebrationem hujuslectioneperduxit."—Bede,v.18.Itisdifficulttobelievewith Mabillonthatthislibrumegregiumwasnothingelsethantheletterto theKingofCornwallwhichhasjustbeenquoted.Themonastichisto riansofMalmesburyattributegreaterresultstoAldhelm'sworkthan doesBede."AdDominicsefideiregulam,etipsospraisulesetinnume- rampopulirevocavitmultitudinem."—Bolland.,I.e.,p.85."Debent usquehodiecorrectionemsuamAldhelmo; quamvisproinsitanequitia etvirumnonagnoscantetvolumenpessumdederint."—Guill.Malmesb., ap.Whabton,p.15. 52 ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY. oneof firstinNorthCambria,andafterwardinthesouth.- theirown bishops,empartoftheprovince,towardstheendofthe 770. eighthcentury.1Fromthatdatethereisnolonger anyquestionofdissentbetweenthetwoChurches. Ineverythingbelongingtoworshipandfaith,the CambrianBritons,whilestilldefendingtheirinde pendencewithjealouspride,werehenceforwardat onewiththeAnglo-Saxons.2Likethem,theywent incrowdstoRome,theirkingsattheirhead,3swell ingthearmiesofpilgrimswhomingledatthefoot ofthechairofPetertheiraspirations,theirenmi ties,theirdiversitiesofrace,butwhoreturned withthelawfulassurancethatthesupremeadvan tageofcatholicunityexactednosacrificeoftruly nationalindependence,right,ortradition. ThusthedifferentcentresofthatCelticdissi- dencewhichhasbeensounjustlycalledschism, weresuccessivelyovercome; andthusfinished, uponthegroundofreligion,thoughonlytobegin

1 "AnnoDCCLXX.PaschamutaturapudBritones,emendanteElbod, homineDei."—Ann.Eccl.Menevensis,inAngliaSaera,vol.ii.p.648. Cf.AugustinThierry,HistoiredelaConquSted'Angleterre,t.i.p.87. 2 ThishasbeenperfectlydemonstratedbyF.Walter(DasalteWales, p.232),againstthechildishlyabsurdaffirmationsofRoberts,Gieseler,and evenofLappenberg.Allthatcanbeadmittedis,thattheCambrian bishops,whohadtheirownmetropolitanseeeitheratMenevia(St David's)oratLlandaff,didnotrecognisethemetropolitanrightscon ferredbyStGregoryuponAugustin.Thequestionwasdefinitelysettled onlybyInnocentIII.,whoplacedtheCambrianbishopsundertheau thorityofCanterbury. 3 CadwalladerisnotedasoneoftheWelshkingswhomettheAnglo- SaxonIcingsatRomeintheyear680,buttheassertionrestsupona doubtfultradition,whilethepilgrimagesofHowellandCyngusinthe ninthcentury,likethatofHowelltheGoodinthetenth,restuponmore satisfactoryauthority. ADAMNAN,EGBERT,STALDHELM.53 overagainandperpetuateitselfelsewhere,thelong strugglebetweentheCeltsandtheSaxons.Ac cordingtothecommonfateofhumanconflictsand passions,allthistumultdiedawayintosilenceand forgetfulness,astheRhinedisappearsobscurelyin thesandandmarshesofHollandafteritsmajestic andsometimesstormywatershavesweptthrough somanyfamouslandsproudof,andblessedby,its presence. Incastinga lastglanceuponthese*prolonged contests,soinsignificantatbottom,yetsoseriously affectingnationalinfluencesandinterests,andani matedbythepassions,talents,andvirtuesoftheir principalchampions,—thewisdom,Imayevenadd, thegravebeauty,ofthelanguageusedbyhimwho wasthegreatestmonkofthegreatestage,willbe profoundlyadmired. "Thisdisputeregardingthedateofaday,"says ourMabillon,"occupiedtheChurchforsixcen turies,anditrequiredthreeofthesecenturiesto restoreunion.Humannaturetakesbackinthis kindofcontroversyitsdownwardinclination.The heatofwarfareandthepassionofsuccesstakepos sessionofthesoulunderthecoverofreligion; and astheyknownolimits,itoftenhappensthatthe lawsofChristiancharityaresacrificedtoques tionsofpurelyhumaninvention.Insuchcases, nooneispermittedtodisobeythejudgmentof theChurch; butitisimportantthatthepastors oftheChurchshouldusetheirauthoritywithso 54 ENDOFTHECELTICHEJtESY. muchmoderationasnotimprudentlytoprovoke feeblespiritstoomuchattachedtotheirownopin ionsintorevolt,thusproducingthegreatestevils fromaninsignificantcause."1 Atthesametime,thisgeneroussonofStBene dictcongratulateshimselfwithreasonthatthe Benedictineshadthehonourofleadingbackto unitytheScotsandBritonssolongseparatedfor sosmallamatterfromtheBomanChurch. Itmustberecollectedatthesametimethat, duringalltheseventhcentury,theCelticorBritish ChurchwasmuchmoreextensivethantheBritish nation.ThenationwasconcentratedinCambria andintheneighbouringpeninsulas; theChurch embraced,besidesthewesterncoastofEngland, allIrelandandScotland,withoutmentioningthe IrishcoloniesinGaulandBelgium.Letusrepeat thattheoppositionwhichroseinthatChurch againstconformitytoRomanritesandusages wasexactlyproportionedtothedegreeofpatrio ticresistanceexcitedbytheinvasionoftheSax ons,behindwhomappearedtheRomanmission aries.Thisresistancewasdesperateamongthe BritishChristians,whoretainedthememoryor

1 "SicuniusdiciqusestioEcclesiamdetinuitperannosferesexcentos: ettriaminimumsseeulavixfueruntsatiscomponendsehominumrixo- sorumcoronse....Inhisverocasibus,sicutabEcelesisecatholicsesen- teutiarccedereneminilicet; itaconvenitEcclesisepastoressicmoderari auctoritatemsuam,utnecimbecillesanimos,propriissensibusnimirum addictos,incauteprovocentadsecessionem,necinlevibuscausispariant grandemalum."—Mabillon,PrcefatwinIII,Sccul.Benedict.,~$o.14, 15. ADAMNAN,EGBERT,STALDHELM.55 dailyfelttheweightoftheterribleexcessesofthe conquest.Itwaslessviolentandlessprolonged inCaledonia,andcametoa conclusionthereas soonasthestruggleceasedbetweentheCeltsand theSaxons.Anditwasalmostnon-existentin Ireland,where,exceptintheincursionofEgfrid, whichwasuniversallyblamedbytheNorthumbrian saints,theSaxonsneverpenetratedbythestrong hand,andwherethetworaceslivedpeaceably together.Nothingcouldgivemoresatisfactory proofhowlittlethefundamentaltruthsofChris tianityandtheinfallibleauthorityoftheChurch hadtodowiththematter,andhowmuchinit wasnationalratherthanreligious.1 Inallthatconcernsthespecial*■ subjectJ ofthesenachismCelticmo-is volumes,itwillberemarkedthattheresultofthevanquished mtheBrit- strugglebetweenthetwogreatelementswhichish.Isies oo <=> asmGaul disputedtheempireofthemonasticworldwasthe*Jg£*^ sameintheBritishIslandsasinGaul.ThisBenedict- strugglewasmuchlongerandmoreseriousin GreatBritain,becauseit wascomplicatedby nationaldislike,legitimateresistance,andanun appeasableresentment,whichhadnoplaceinthe influenceexercisedinFrancebyColumbanusof LuxeuilandhisIrishmonks.Theruleand orderofStBenedictwerenaturallyassociated, intheeyesofthevanquishedanddispossessed Celts,withtheferociousforeignerswhopursued themeventothemountain-glensandislands, 1 Varin,2eMimoirc. 5G ENDOFTHECELTICHERESY. inwhichtheyfoundalastasylum.Besides,the Columbaoflona,thegreatpatriarchoftheCeltic monksinGreatBritain,was,itappearstous,a muchmoreattractivepersonagethanhisillustrious namesakeofLuxeuil; hissons,hisheirs,Aldan, Adamnan,andsomanyothers,hada greaterfas cination,amuchgreaterinfluenceuponthemasses anduponeventsthanthesuccessorsofColum- banusamongtheGallo-Franks.Atthesame timethesonsofStBenedict,thevictorsofthe struggle,fromStAugustintoBede,weremuch moreremarkablementhanthegreaterpartof theGallo-FrankishBenedictinesoftheirday.St EloysiusandStLeger,whosehistoryweshallsoon relate,werescarcelyequaltoWilfrid,Cuthbert, BenedictBiscop,andthevenerableBede.The latter,besides,aremoreentirelymonks,morecom pletelyidentifiedwiththeBenedictineinstitution. Itis,however,evidentonbothsidesoftheChan nelthattheCelticelementfell,diedaway,and disappearedbeforetheRomanelementaspersoni fiedintheorderofStBenedict.TheBenedic tineinfluenceeverywherecarriedtheday,and preparedfortheChurchthosevaliantlegions which,afterhavingedifiedanddisciplinedFrance, andconqueredandcivilisedEngland,marchedon tonewvictories,andextendedbeyondtheRhine andtheElbethefrontiersofChristendom. CHAPTEKIV.

THEVENERABLEBEDE.

TheentirehistoryofthisperiodissummedupinthevenerableBede.— Hisworks.—Encyclopsedicalcharacterofhisgenius.—Histheological andscientificwritings; hislovefortheclassics.—HisHistoryofthe English.—Hisscrupulouscaretoproveitstruth.—Hissoul.—The loveofvirtueandtruthevidentinallhiswritings.—Heishimself thetypeofthenoblelivesherecords.—Hislifepassedentirelyinthe cloisterofYarrow.—Heissparedinhisyouthbythepestilencewhich carriesoffthewholecommunityexcepthimselfandhisabbot.—His differentmasters; hisdiligenceinwork.—Hisextensiveconnections. —HisfriendshipwithAbbotAcca.—HisworksonHolyScripture.— HiscelebratedlettertoBishopEgbertofYorkupontheabusesof ecclesiasticalgovernmentandmonasticlife.—Hisboldfreedomdoes notdiminishhisauthority.—Heisaccusedofheresyinpopular drinking-songs.—HisintimacywiththemonksofLindisfarne.—Nar rativeofhisdeathbyaneyewitness.—Hisworshipandhisrelics.— Contrastbetweenthecountryhelivedinandtheactualconditionof Northumberland.

"OvenerableBede1 OfPerpetualThyTheOnImposedtoillearning,aarecreantlastsaint,diligence,longwildstupendous,dearonlifecoast,industry.thehumanwheresoul,;servicescholar,thyandroughthatunrelaxingthoukind,inofSublimetheamonitorsfromdaresthyheardsthallowedmusthourpassingatousecircleReclusefirstofshunthetoseatdeathfeedbreath."forgetbillowsfreedthe! debtbeat

—Wordsworth. isThecrownedperiodofhistorywhichwehavejustrecorded byoneofthosegreatfigureswhich 53 THEVENERABLEBEDE.

standoutabovetheseaofages,andtriumphover theforgetfulnessaswellasoverthesystematiccon temptoffrivolousgenerations.ThenameofBede, afterhavingbeenoneofthegreatestandmost popularinChristendom,stillremainsinvestedwith anunchangeablefame.Heisthetypeofthatstu diousandlearnedlifewhich,intheeyesofmany, sumsuptheentiremissionofthemonk.Hewas themostcultivatedman,thegreatestintellectual personageofhiscountryandage; butheholdsa stillgreaterpositionintheeyesofthosetowhom hehasbeenaguideandmasterthroughoutalabo riousandbewilderingtask.Bythestudentwho haspassedseveralyearsalmostentirelyinhis company,heisveneratedasasaintandlovedasa friend,and,withoutabsolvinghimofhispatriotic prejudicesandpartialities,thespiritdoesreverence tohischaracterstillmorethantohisglory. Letusthenexaminehisworks,hisspirit,and hislife. Hisworks."Weturntohisworksinthefirstplace,which havemadehimthewonderandhonourofhisage, aswellasafatheranddoctoroftheChurch.This Anglo-Saxon,bornattheendoftheChristian world,andofaracewhichhalfacenturybefore hisbirthwasstillplungedinthedarknessofidola try,atoncerevealshimselfclothedinthefulness ofallenlightenmentknowntohistime.Thanks totheunwearyingactivityofhismind,andthe universalextensionofhisresearches,hisfamebe THEVENERABLEBEDE. 59 cameEuropean,andlastedthroughallthemiddle ages.Itwasnotonlythegreathistorianwhom, duringhislifetime,andforlongcenturiesafterhis death,menadmired,asweourselvesadmirehim— itwas,inadditiontothis,themasterwhosevast eruditionembracedallthatwasthenstudiedand knownintheworld.Theuniversalcharacterof hisgeniusisthatwhichmostastonishedhiscon temporaries,andhasevenexcitedsurpriseamong ourown. HewasforEnglandwhatCassiodoruswasforTheumver- t salcharac- ItalyJ andStIsidoreforSpain.1 Buthehad,intergenius.ofhis addition,aninfluenceandechobeyondhisown countrywhichhasbeensurpassedbynone: hisinflu enceuponChristendomwasasrapidasitwasexten sive,andhisworks,whichsoonfoundaplaceinall themonasticlibrariesoftheWest,broughtdownhis fametotheperiodoftheRenaissance.Hewrote athispleasureinproseorverse,inAnglo-Saxon andinLatin; andmanyofhiswritingsprovethat hewasacquaintedwithGreek.1ThegreaterpartHistheoio- ofhisworksweredevotedtotheologyanditscog-writings, natestudies.Inthelistwhichhehimselfmadeout, threeyearsbeforehisdeath,oftheforty-fiveworks whichhehadwrittenuptothattime,heenume-

1 ThetranslationwhichhehadmadeoftheGospelofStJohnfrom GreekintoLatinisunhappilylost.—Giles,LifeofBcde,p.51.M. Ozanam,inhisEtudesGermaniqucs,quotesapaperfromM.Renan, crownedbytheAcademy,butnotpublished,whichprovesthatthe studyofGreekwasmaintainedamongtheAnglo-Saxonmonkslong afteritsintroductionbytheArchbishopStTheodore. 60 THEVENERABLEBEDE.

rates,inthefirstplace,hiscommentariesandhomi liesuponHolyScripture,speciallydrawnfromthe Fathers,soastoformasummary,fortheuseofhis countrymenandofallChristians,ofthetraditional doctrinesoftheChurch.TheseBiblicalstudies occupiedhimmuchduringhiswholelife,andhe professeda markedpreferenceforthatsourceof humanknowledgewhich,tohiseyes,surpassedall others,asmuchinitsantiquityasbyitsdivine originandmoralusefulness.1Heplungedintothis studywithanardoursointelligentandpersevering, thatitwonhim,intheeyesofthemostillustrious ofhiscountrymen,StBoniface,thereputationof beingoneofthemostsagaciousinvestigatorsof theHolyScriptures.2InhisMartyrology,his historicalsummaries,andhisbiographiesofthe saints,headdedademonstrationofthegovernment ofGodbyfactsandthelivesofmen,tothetheo reticexpositionoftheteachingsofthefaith. Andscieu-But,farfromconfininghimselftotheology,he wrotewithsuccessuponastronomyandmeteoro logy,physicsandmusic,philosophyandgeography, arithmeticandrhetoric,grammarandversification, withoutomittingmedicine,andwithoutdisdaining todescendeventoorthographyandnumeration.

1 "SanctaScripturaceterisomnibusscripturis,nonsolumauctoritate, quiadiyina; velutilitate,quiaadvitamducitteternam; sedetantiqui- tateetipsaprseeminet—DeSchematibusSeripturce,ap.Act.SS.0.S.B., t.ill.p.506. SagacissimiinvestigatorisScripturarummonachiBedse."—S.Boxi- faciiEpist.adHuctbertumAbbalem.

THEVENERABLEBEDE. 61

Histreatiseshavealmostalwaystheformofabridg mentsorcatechismsadaptedtotheeducationofhis monasticdisciples.Hethuspenetrated,withabold andunwearyingstep,intoallthepathsthenopen tothehumanintelligence,witha clearnessand extentofvisiontrulysurprisingfortheageand circumstancesunderwhichhelived.Hethuswon thenameofFatherofEnglishlearning,givento himbythegreatestofmodernEnglishmen.1His scientificessays,DeRerumNatura,andDeTem- porumRatione,containa firstessaytowardsa universalchronology,andafterwardssumupwith methodandprecisionthephysicalandastronomi calsciences,whichhad,amongourancestors,sur vivedthedecayoftheRomanempire.Goodjudgesp8i°ve haveevenacknowledgedthathehadgatheredmoreclassics, actualtruthsandfewererrorsthanaretobefound inanyRomanbooksuponsimilarsubjects.2In thisregion,aselsewhere,ourworthyAnglo-Saxon appealswithrespectfulconfidencetotheauthority ofAristotle,Hippocrates,andPliny.Likeallthe scholarsandwritersofChristianages,heshowsa certainsatisfactioninexhibitinghisfamiliarity withclassicauthors.Hehaslefttous,oratleast therehavebeenattributedtohim,collectionsof

1 "FatherofEnglishlearning"—thisisthenamegivenhimbyBurke, EssayonEnglishHistory,p.229. 2 SharonTurner,HistoryoftheAnglo-Saxons,vol.iii.p.403.Accord ingtothisauthor,Bede'sworkissufficientofitselftoprovethatthe irruptionoftheTeutonicnationsintotheRomanempirewasiunoway thesubstitutionofbarbarismforknowledge. 62 THEVENERABLEBEDE. sentencesdrawnfromPlato,Seneca,and,aboveall, Cicero,ofwhomhewasanenthusiasticadmirer. HeoftenquotesOvidandLucan,Statius,Lucre tius,andstilloftenerVirgil,whomhequoteseven inthetalesofthemiraclesofhisNorthumbrian saints.1Hehasalsoattemptedtoimitatehim inaprettyecologueonthereturnofspring.2He thuspresents,intheeighthcentury,thetypeof thatcharacterofscholar—thatistosay,ofaman profoundlyimbuedwithclassicliterature—which theEnglishofthepresentdaystillprizesohighly, andwhichtheprincesofpubliceloquence,3not lessthanthechiefsoftheepiscopate,esteemone oftheirhighestdistinctions.Itdoesnotseem, however,thathisfamiliaritywiththeseillustrious heathensweakenedhimeitherinChristianfeel ingorinthemonasticspirit; andnothinginhis lifecontradictsthetouchingprayerwithwhichhe endsthelistofhisliterarylabours: "Oh,good Jesus,whohastdeignedtorefreshmysoulwith thesweetstreamsofknowledge,granttomethat ImayonedaymounttoThee,whoartthesource 1 Thus,inrelatingthecaseofademoniacatthetombofthesaintand kingOswaldatBardenej',"Conticuereheomnes,usesintentiquethewell-knownoratenebant."line— TheillustriousNewmanhasfullyestablishedtheabsurdityofthe suppositionmadebyMilman,thelearnedAnglicanDeanofStPaul's, thatBedeandothermonasticdoctorsknewclassicalantiquityonlyat second-handbyextractsorisolatedfragments.Thisideaiscontradicted byallthemonumentsofthetime,aswellasbytheverynatureofthe monasticspiritandstudies.—Atlantis,1859,n.3,p.31. 2 "Cuculus,siveVerisetHiemisconflictus,"vol.i.p.35,ed.Giles. Comparep.clxix. 3 MrGladstone,commentator,andLordDerby,translator,ofHomer. THEVENERABLEBEDE. 63 ofallwisdom,andremainforeverinThydivine presence."1 ThisconstantthoughtofGod,ofthesoul,andHistoryof & \ ' theEng- ofeternalsalvationwhichisevidentinallthelisn- worksofhislaboriouslife,andmanlyintelligence, showsitselfatthebeginningofthegreatwork whichstillwinsforhimtheattentionandgrati tudeofallfriendsofthetruth."I entreat,"he saysinhisPreface,"allthoseofournationwho readthisHistory,orhearitread,torecommend oftentothedivineclemencytheinfirmitiesofmy bodyandofmysoul.Leteachmaninhispro vince,seeingthecarewhichIhavetakentonote downeverythingthatismemorableoragreeable fortheinhabitantsofeachdistrict,paymeback byprayingforme.""Bearandgoodfather,"he alsowriteswhensendingthefirstcopyofhis Historytothefriendwhohadsuggestedittohim, "belovedfriendinChrist,remember,I beseech you,myweakness,youandalltheservantsof Christwholivewithyou; remembertointercede formewiththemercifulJudge,andmakeallthose whoreadmyhumbleworkdothesame."2

1 "Tequedeprecor,boneJesu,utcuipropitiusdonastiverbatuse scientisedulciterhaurire,donesetiambenignus,aliquandoadtefontem omnissapientisepervenireetappareresemperantefaciemtuam." 8 "Omnes. . . nostnenationislegentessiveaudientes,supplicitcr precorutpromeisinfirmitatibusetmentisetcorporis. . . seepiusin- tervenirememinerint: etinsuisquiqueprovinciishancmihiremunera- tionisvicemrependant,utquidesingulisprovinciis. . . qusememoratu dignaatqueincolisgratacredideramdiligenteradnotarecuravi."—Hist. Eccles.,PrcefatiogloriosissimoRegiCeoluulfo."Semperamantissime inChristopateroptime,. . . tesupplexobsecroutpromeafragilitate 64 THEVENERABLEBEDE.

Thishumblework—thispamphlet,asitiscalled bythegreatandmodestwriter—wasnothingless thanthatEcclesiasticalHistoryoftheEnglish Nation,whichhasmadeBedenotonlythefather ofEnglishhistory,butthetruefounderofhistory inthemiddleages.Themostcompetentauthori tieshaverecognisedinhima chroniclerwell-in formedandsystematic,anableandpenetrating critic,onwhomtherigorousprecisionofhislan guage,andthescrupulousaccuracyofhisnarra tive,bestowthefullrightofbeingheardand havinghistestimonyweighed,evenuponfacts whichcouldnotcomeunderhispersonalobserva tion.1Besides,allhisnarrativewhichis not foundeduponwhathehimselfsaworheard,is givenontheauthorityofcontemporariesalways conscientiouslyquotedandcarefullydesignatedor describedbyhim."Ihaveconsultedindividually," hesays,"inallthatreferstoNorthumbria,innum erablewritersinadditiontoallthatIcouldanswer formyself.. . . ButIpraymyreaderhumbly,ifhe findsthatIhavewrittenanythingwhichisnotthe truth,nottoblamemeseverelyforit,since,accord ingtothetruelawofhistory,Ihavesincerelylabour edtoputintowritingfortheinstructionofpos terityallthatIcouldgatherfromcommonreport."2 cumhisquitecumsunt,apudpiumjudicemsedulusintercedereme- mineris: sedeteosquoseademnostraopusculapervenirefeceris,hoc idemfaceremonueris."—Epist.adAlbinumAbhat.,Op.Minora,p.229. 1 Lappenberg,Ozanam,Varin. 2 "Siquainhisqua?scripsimusaliterquamseVeritashabetposita repererit,nonhocnobisimputetqui,quodveralexhistoricest,sim THEVENERABLEBEDE. 65

Therareprudencewithwhichherecordsthose miracleswhichoccupysoexaggeratedaplacein theannals,or,morestrictly,inthehabitsand necessitiesofhistime,is especiallyremarkable. Hegivesnoneuponhisownpersonalauthority, butalwaysnamesthepersonsfromwhomthey come,statingwhetherhehasreceivedthemat firstorsecondhand.1 Thusthemostscepticalreaderisunableto turnoverthepagesofBedewithoutbeingcon vincedatonceofhissincerityandofhishistorical discrimination; whiletheChristian,eagertoknow andadmiretheworksofGodstillmoreinthe historyofspirituallifethaninthehistoryof nations,canneverfeelsufficientgratitudetothe unweariedworkerwhohasendoweduswitha bookunrivalledamongthehistoricalworksof Christianity,andwhohasgiventoEnglandand itsspeciallyhistoricracethefinestmonumentof nationalhistorywhichanymodernpeoplehasyet receivedfromitsfathers.2 plicitereaqusefamavulgantecollegimusadinstructionemposteritatis litterismandarestuduimus."—Prwfatio. 1 Notasinglemiracleistobefoundinthebiographyofthefivefirst abbotsofhisownmonastery,allofwhomhehadpersonallyknown; whiletheyaboundinhisnarrativeofthelifeofStCuthbert,whichhe hadfromthemonksofLindisfarne.Thisisremarkedbythewiseand piousLingard.—Anglo-SaxonChurch,ii.102,103. 2 Allwhohavehadtomakeresearchesintomedievalhistorians, andtowhomitisofconsequencetosavetheirtimeandeyesight,know theinestimablevalueofagood,portable,andeasiry-readedition.Such personswillthankusforpointingouttothem,amongthenumerous editionsofthevenerableBede,thatpublishedatOxfordin1846,by KobertHussey,bacheloriutheologyandprofessorofhistory.Itcon- VOL.V. E 66 THEVENERABLEBEDE.

Hisspirit-Thishistorianofsoulsbeginsbymakingus acquaintedwithhisown; forwhodoesnotrecog nise,bythefashioninwhichamantellsthetaleof thetrialsofvirtueandtruthherebelow,whathe himselfwouldhavebeencapableofdoingorsuffer ingforthem1 Thesoulwhichthusbetraysitself inhisnarrativeisholyandfullofgrace.Notonly inhisbeautifulnarrationsofceaselessself-devotion, andofallthewondersofwhichmanregeneratedby faithiscapable,butinthepersonofBedehimself, wefindacompletetypeofthathumility,serenity, andgenerousfervourwhichhavewonhimthrough outallChristendomthesurnameofVenerable. TheChristianvirtueswereunitednaturallyinhim tothatthirstforknowledge,thatloveofstudy, thatvivifyingthirstforwork,thatnoblethought- fulnessofthingsdivineandhuman,whichmake ourmonk-historiansointerestingapersonageinthe historyofthehumanmind.Anesteemedwriter1

tainsinonevolumealltheHistoriaEcclesiasticaGentisAtiglonim,with thelivesoftheAbbotsofWearmouthandYarrow,andBede'sletterto ArchbishopEgbert.Italsocontainsallthediversreadingsandnotesof thegreateditionofSmith(1722),rectifiedandcompletedwithexem plaryclearnessandsobrietybytheeditor.Ifhehadaddedtohis volumeBede'slifeofStCuthbert,theletteroftheotherCuthbertupon thedeathofthehistorian,andamap,thisexcellentpublicationwould haveleftnothingtobedesired.Justiceobligesustonameherebythe sideofBedeawriterofourownday,M.W.B.Maccabe,who,inhia CatholicHistoryofEngland(London,1847-49,2vols.),hasdevotedhim selftoafaithfulreproductionofthenarrativesofBedeandotherancient historians,and,bygivingafaithfulandminutepictureofthethreefirst centuriesofEnglishhistory,deservesthegratitudeofthosewholoveto knowthetruthwithoutbeingabletoseekitatthefountainhead. 1 Lappenberg. THEVENERABLEBEDE. 67 reproacheshimwithhavingbeenmoreRoman thanEnglish.I considerthisreproachquiteun founded; notraceistobefoundoftheleast sacrificeofhispatriotismtohisorthodoxy.He certainlypreferredtheRomantotheCelticspirit; butitwashisAnglo-Saxonpatriotism,andnot hisRomanpredilections,whichdictatedtohim certainjudgmentsinspiredbynationalprejudice againstthevanquishedBritonsinspiritualaswell astemporalaffairs.Hehad,likeallothermen,his preferences,hisweaknesses,hisblindness—butnever hashewillinglydisguised,mutilated,orbetrayed thetruth; onthecontrary,heservedandloved withhisbestpowersnotonlytruthbutjustice, and,asithasbeenwellsaidbyanuprighthisto rian1ofourownday,impartialityconsistsinbeing just,notinbeingneuter. Hislifemayberegardedasa faithfulmirrorHislife, ofthelaboriousandholyexistenceofthosevast cloisterswhichcontinuedtoriseinEnglandunder theruleofStBenedict,andwhichwerenotless numerousintheeighththanintheseventhcen tury.Itwasentirelypastinthemonasterywhich hadshelteredhischildhood.Hewasbornin673,2 inoneoftheseventydetachedmanorsofpublic property(Folc-lands),whichKingEgfridbestowed onAbbotBenedictBiscoponhisfourthreturn

12 AccordingFranzdetoChampaony,MabillonandCorrespondant,Lingard;notvol.inxii.674,p.as785.sayPagiand Stephenson. 68 THEVENERABLEBEDE.

fromRome.ThelittleBede,whosenamein Anglo-Saxonmeansprayer,wasintrustedbyhis 680. relativesattheageofseventoBenedict,whohad justcompletedhismonasteryofWearmouth.But theholyandlearnedabbotsoontransferredthe 682. chargeadjutorandCeolfrid,educationwhen,ofwithhisyounghistwentypupilmonks,tohisoldco-

andyoung,thelatterremovedashortdistanceoff, tofound,atthemouthoftheTyne,thecolony 686. theirofYarrow.newhomeTheythanwereacruelnoepidemicsoonerinstalledseizedthein

colony.Itcarriedoffallthemonkswhocould singinthechoir,excepttheabbotaloneandthe youngBede,stilla child,whowashisfavourite pupil.Thesetwocontinuedtocelebrate,asthey bestcould,amongtheirtearsandregrets,the entirecanonicalservice,withobstinateprecision, untilnewbrethrenjoinedthem.1Therearefew whowillnotbetouchedbythethoughtofthese tworepresentativesofNorthumbrianChristianity andAnglo-Saxonmonachism,theonealready matureandillustrious,theotheranobscurechild predestinedtofame,singingallalonethepraises ofGodintheircloisterdepopulatedbydeath,and

' "Abbas. . . multumtristis,prsecepitut,intermissoritupriori, psalmodiamtotam,praterVesperametMatntinas,sineantiphonis transigerent: quodcumuniushebdomadisspatiointermultasejus lacrymasetqueriinoniasesseactitatum,diutiushocfierinonferens rursusstatuit: utantiphonatsepsalmodieejuxtamoreminstauraretur, cunctisqueadnitentibus,perseetquemprsedixipuerum,qusestatuerat, nonparvocumlaborecomplebat."—Bede,t. vi.,App.,p.421.See note1inpage453oftheprecedingvol. THEVENERABLEBEDE. 69 awaitingthefuturewithresignedyetunconquer ablefaith! AtthedeathofBenedictBiscop,whenCeolfrid wascalledtotheheadofthereunitedmonasteries, whichnowformedbutonecommunity,1theyoung BederemainedatYarrow,whichheneverleft. Therehereceiveddeacon'sordersatnineteen,and attheageofthirtythepriesthoodfromthehands ofStJohn,calledofBeverley,whothenoccupied theseeofWilfridatHexham.Andtherehepass edalltherestofhislife,whichwasdedicatedto studyandmeditationonHolyScripture,without otheramusementthanthedailysongsofthechoir —withoutotherpleasure,ashehashimselfsaid, thantolearn,toteach,andtowrite.2 Atthesametime,whenBedetellsusthathe passedallhislifeinthesamemonastery,itmust notbesupposedthathedeniedhimselftheexpedi tionswhichoccupiedsoconsiderableapartinthe livesoftheprincipalmonks.Notwithstandingthe greatauthoritywhichattachedtoBenedictBis- cop'sdoublefoundation,andthenumberofmonks whohastenedtoit,itisdifficulttoimaginehow theyoungmonkcouldfollow,withoutleaving hismonastery,thelessonsofallthosewhomat 1 Seevol.iv.p.450and456. 2 "Cumessemannorumseptem,curapropinquorumdatussumeducan- dus. . . eunctumqueexeotempusvitseinejnsdemmonasteriihabi tationeperagens,omnemmeditandisSeripturisoperamdedi; atque interobservantiamdisciplinseregularisetquotidianamcantandiin ecclesiacuram,semperautdiscere,autdocere,autscriberedulcehabui." —Bede,Hist.Eccles.,v.24. 70 THEVENERABLEBEDE.

variousperiodshecallshismasters.Forwhether atYarroworelsewhere,hereceivedaneducation Hisdif-bothvaluableandvaried.Amongthosewhoin- ferent masters,troducedhimintothestudyoftheBible,heindi catesamonktrainedbyCeadda,thehumbleand earnestrivalofWilfrid,and,inconsequence,im buedwithallthatwaspurestandmostirreproach ableinCeltictradition;1whileGreekwastaught bymonksoftheschoolfoundedbyTheodorein hismetropolisofCanterbury,2andecclesiastical musicbytheprecentorofStPeter'sintheVati can,whomPopeVitalianussenttoEnglandwith BenedictBiscop.3 His Frompupilhesoonbecamemaster,andthat industry. ofthehighestrank.Itisevidentfromvarious passagesofhisworksthathisdaysandnights,of whicha verymoderatepartwasgiventosleep, weredividedbetweenthestudiesandresearches whichhepursuedtohislasthour,theinstructions whichhegavetothesixhundredmonksofhis doublecommunity,withoutreckoningtheforeign monkswhomheadmittedtohislessons,andthe compositionofthebookswhichhaveimmortalised him.Anexistencemorecompletelyoccupiedit wouldbedifficulttoimagine.Exceptduringthe courseofhislastillness,hehadnoassistantin

1 "FraterquidamdeeisquimeinScriptmiserudiebanteteratin monasterioacmagisterioillius(Ceaddse)educatus,vocabuloTrnmberct." —Hist.Eccles.,iv.3. 2 Seevol.iv.p.213. 3 Seevol.ir.p.446. THEVENERABLEBEDE. 71

hiswork."I ammyownsecretary,"hesaid; "Idictate,Icompose,I copyallmyself."Though hewasnotunconsciousoftheobstacleswhichthe yoke—or,ashehimselfsays,theservitudeofthe rule—threwinthewayofhiswork,heneverwith drewhimselffromit;1andlongafterhisdeathhis scrupulousexactnessinfulfillingallitsobligations, especiallythatofsingingthecommonservice,was toldinhispraise.2 ThelaboriousseverityofthislifeinthecloisterHisex- didnot,however,putanyobstacleinthewayofconnection, hisextensiveandimportantintercoursewiththe worldoutside.Hisfriendshipswerealmostall producedoroccasionedbythecompositionofhis greathistoricalwork.Hewasurgedtoundertake itbyAlbinus,whomwehavealreadyremarkedas theprincipaldiscipleoftheArchbishopTheodore andtheAfricanabbotAdrian,thefirstAnglo- Saxonevercalledtogovernthegreatmonastery ofStAugustinatCanterbury.Albinusfurnished himwithmemorandaofallthathadhappenedin Kentandtheneighbouringcountiesinthetime ofthemissionariessentbyStGregory; 3 heeven senta priestoftheadjoiningdioceseofLondon toRome,tosearchinthearchivesoftheRoman Church,withthepermissionofthereigningpope,

1 "Injunetimeoperislaborisupposui: inquoutinnumeramonasticse servitutisretinaculaprsetereamipsemihidictator,simulnotariusetlib- rariusexisterem."—EpislolaadAccam,Opera,i.179. 2 AlcuiniOpera,i.p.282. 3 Bededescribeshimas"virperomniadoctissimus." 72 THEVENERABLEBEDE.

GregoryII.,forthelettersofhispredecessorsand otherdocumentsrelativetothemissiontoEngland.1 AllthebishopsofEnglandalsoassistedinthe workbytransmittingtotheauthorwhatinfor mationtheycouldcollectconcerningtheoriginof thefaithintheirdioceses,andtheprincipalacts oftheholypersonageswhohadlivedinthem. Theabbotsandmonksofthemostimportant monasteriesalsofurnishedtheircontingent.The detailsgivenonthis,subjectbyBedehimselfshow thataconstantcommunicationwaskeptupbe tweentheprincipalcentresofreligiouslife,and thatanamountofintellectualactivityassur prisingasadmirable,whenthedifficultyofcom municationandtheinternalwarswhichravaged Englandaretakenintoconsideration,existedamong theirinhabitants. Inadditiontohisgreathistoricalwork,hiscor respondencegivesevidenceofthenumberofvisits hemusthavepaidandreceivedonthesubjectsof hisstudiesandwritings.Thereisnoproofthat hewaseveratRome,towhichinhisdaysomany Anglo-Saxonmonksandprincescrowded,though thiswaslongbelieved.2Butitisknownthathe wasontermsoffriendshipwiththeKingofthe Northumbrians,towhomhededicatedhisHistory

1 "PerscrutatosanctseEcclesiseRomansescrinio."—Prolog. 2 FromaletterwrittenbyPopeSergius,givenbyWilliamofMalmes- bury,butwhichdoesnotrefertoourBede,accordingtoMabillon.— Act.SS.0.S.B.,t. iii.p.509; andLingard,Antiquities,vol.ii. p.410,415. THEVENERABLEBEDE. 73 ofEngland,andwiththeKingofKent,towhom headdressedaletteruponthecelebrationofEaster. Amongthebishopsofhistimehismostintimate friendwasAcca,thecompanionandsuccessorof WilfridatHexham.Thislearnedandmagnificent prelatetookthewarmestinterestinliteratureand thearts.Afterhavingornamentedwithmany greatworkstheabbeychurchbuiltbyhismaster atHexham,headdedaverylargeandnoblelibrary, accordingtoBede,ofwhichthelattermadegreat use.Theywereinintimateandconstantcommu nication.Bedededicatedseveralofhisworksin proseandversetothesuccessorofWilfrid; and Acca,wholoved,likeBede,toquotefromtheclas sics,andwho,likeGregorytheGreat,hadafancy forplayinguponwords,insistedthathislaborious friend,whohadgivenhimacommentaryuponthe GospelbyStMark,shouldaddtoitacommentary onLuke.1Thecorrespondencebetweenthesetwo Anglo-Saxonmonks,whiledoingnodiscreditto theirability,isspeciallyhonourabletotheirhearts, andshowstowhataheightprayerandstudyhad developedintheNorthumbriancloisterstheaffec tionatesentimentsandtenderfeelingsoffriend ship.InthiscorrespondenceBedelavishesassur ancesofhisregardonhim,whomhecallsthemost lovedandlonged-forofallbishops.2Heshows 1 "BeatumLucamluculentosermoneexpone."—T.i. p.cliii.,ed. Giles.Seeothereditions,ap.Raine,ThePrioryofHexham,p. 32,33,34. 2 "Dilectissimeacdesideratissimeomniumquiinterrismorantur 74 THEVENERABLEBEDE. himselftobe,ashesays,ruledandinspired bythattrustandmutualtendernesswhich believesandhopeseverythingfromtheheartit loves.1Atthesametimethosepureandnoble motiveswhichguidedhiminhisstudiesand commentariesonHolyScripture,whichheldthe greatestplaceinhislife,andhavesomuchcontri butedtotheincreaseofhisinfluenceonChristen dom,arefullyapparentinhisletters.Bothhere andelsewherethereaderperceivesbywhatapious andpatrioticanxietyhewasmovedtocombatthe ignoranceandlukewarmnessofthenewCatholics ofEngland,bymakingthemcapableofreadingand understandingtheBible.2Tobringtothelevelof allcapacitiesthemostapprovedexplanationsof obscurepassages; toseekoutwithscrupulouscare themysticsenseandspiritualuseofBiblicalnar ratives; atoncetogodeeplyintoandtosimplify thatstudyofthesacredwordswhichissodear andsonecessarytorealpiety;todrawfromitthe lessonsandespeciallytheconsolationspointedout bytheapostleStPaul,3andofwhichwehaveso muchneedinthesharpanguishofthissombrelife, antistitum."Andelsewhere: "Benevalesemper,amantissimeantistes, nostrimemorinDomino.. . . Dominobeatissimoetomniumdesidera- tissimoAccseepiscopoBedahumilispresbyter." 1 "Nonhaeccertaaliaquamindubitatamutuifiduciafacitamoris, qusedeamicopectoreomniaduntaxatqusefieripossunt,credit,omnia sperat."—P.179,ed.Giles. 2 "Nostrse,idestAnglorumgentis,inertiseconsulendumratus."— Epist.adEusebium,p.193,ed.Giles. 3 SeeespeciallyEpistolaadAccamdeTemploSalomonis,p.171,ed. Giles. THEVENERABLEBEDE. 75 andduringtheprolongeddelaysofdivinejustice; togivethusananswertotheanxietywhichfilled themindsofthegreatmonkswhoweretheapostles ofEngland,andofotherancientnations: such wasthetaskofourBede.Hegavehimselfup toitwitha fervourwhichneverrelaxed; with a perseverancewhichconsumedhisnightsand days; withtouchingandsinceremodesty; with delicateprecautionsagainstthedangerofbeing takenforaplagiarist;1withacouragewhichsome timesfailedhimunderthegreatnessofthetask, andthemultitudeofobstaclesinhisway,butonly tospringupagainmoreunconquerablethanever; and,inshort,withasolidityandassuranceofdoc trinewhichhavekeptforhim,tillthepresenttime, aplaceamongthebestauthorisedinterpretersof theCatholicfaith.2 AnotherbishopwithwhomBedehadmuchin-Hisceie- tercoursewasEgbert,BishopofYork,abrotherofletterto theKingofNorthumbria,andadiscipleofBedeEgbertof himself.Sometimestheprince-bishopwouldvisit hisformermasteratYarrow; sometimesBede,in return,wenttotheepiscopalmonasteryofYork, 1 "Sollicitusperomnianemajorumdictafurari,ethsecquasimea propriacomponere.. . . Quiinlegisdivinsemeditationeetsinon(ut ipsescripsisti)diesnoctesquepervigilesduceresufficio. . . operisim- mensitateperterritusetobstrepentinmeausarum(quastumeliusnosti) necessitateprapeditus.. . . Opusculumvelocissimequantumtempus dederat,netuasacrosanctavoluntasimpediretur,emendatummembran- ulisindideram."—Epist.adAccam,p.180,184. 2 Anideaofhisspiritandstylemaybeattainedbyreadinginthe SomanBreviarytheserviceforAllSaints'Dayandthetwodaysfollow ing,inwhichseveralofthelessonsaretakenfromhisDeSanetU. 76 THEVENEKABLEBEDE.

whereheoccupiedhimselfinsuperintendingthe schoolestablishedbyEgbert,orsoughtoutrecol lectionsofPaulinusandofWilfrid,andallthe detailsofthatreligioushistoryofNorthumbria whichwithouthimwouldhavefallenintoforget- fulnessforever.Thetwofriendsstudiedtogether duringthesevisits.Ayearbeforehisdeath,not beingabletoacceptaninvitationfromEgbert, Bedeaddressedtohima letter,whichhasbeen preserved,andwhichisasortoftreatiseuponthe spiritualandtemporalgovernmentofNorthumbria.1 Itdisplays,inthefirstplace,themanlyindepen denceofBede'sjudgmentandlanguage,andthe greatauthoritywhichthissimplemonkpossessed evenintheeyesoftheprincesandpontiffsofhis country.Itthrows,atthesametime,afreshand fulllightupontheabuseswhichhadglidedinto theAnglo-SaxonChurch,andspeciallyintothe administrationofmonasticpossessions. Hebeginsbyrecommendingthebishoptostudy andmeditatetheHolyScriptures,especiallythe epistlesofStPaultoTitusandTimothy,andthe PastoralofStGregory; andexhortshimtoavoid idleandgossipingconversationandbadcompany —"for,"headds,"therearebishopswho,instead ofsurroundingthemselveswithreligiousand

1 "Meminitehesteruodixisseanno,cumtecumaliquotdiebuslegendi gratiainmonasteriotuodemorarer,quodhocetiamannovelles,cumin eundemdevenireslocum,mequoque,obcommunelegendistudium,ad tuumaccirecolloquium."Thisletterwaswrittenin734or735.Egbert tookpossessionoftheseeofWilfridin732. THEVENERABLEBEDE. 77 chastepersons,areaccompaniedonlybybuffoons ordrunkards,whotakemorethoughthowto filltheirbelliesthanhowtofeedandsanctify theirsouls."1 Hethencontinuesasfollows: "YourdioceseisAgainstthe abusesof tooextensivetopermityoutovisitallthehamletsecciesiasti- * calgovern- andout-of-the-waycornersiniteveryyear.Youment> mustthenestablish,ascoadjutorsineachvillage, priestswhowillpreachtheWordofGod,celebrate thedivinemysteries,andbaptise.And,aboveall, lettheprieststeachallyourdiocesanstoknow theApostles'CreedandtheLord'sPrayerbyheart. ThosewhodonotunderstandLatinoughttobe abletosingorsaythePaterandtheCredoin theirownlanguage; andI saythisnotonlyfor thelaity,butalsofortheclerksandmonkswhodo notunderstandLatin.Itisespeciallyfortheuse ofthoseuninstructedprieststhatIhavetranslated theCreedandthePaterintoEnglish.Whenyou thusstirupthepeopleofGodbyfrequentand commonprayertounderstand,love,hopefor,and seekheavenlygifts,yourpaternalsolicitudewill receivefromthePastorofpastorsa rewardso muchthemorenoblethatitisseldommeritedby bishopsofournation."2Bedeentreatshisfriend, 1 "Quodnonitaloquor,quasitealiterfaceresciam,sedquiadequi- busdamepiscopisfamavulgatumest,quod. . . nullossecumalicujus religionisautcontinentiseviroshabeant,sedpotiusillosquirisui,jocis, fabnlis,comessationibusetebrietatibus. . . subigantur,etmagisquoti- dieventremdapibusquammentemsacrificiisccelestibuspascant." 2 "Etquialatiorasuntspatia. . . quamutsolusperomniadiscur- rereetinsingulisviculisatqueagellisverbumDeiprsedicare. . . sufficias 78 THEVENERABLEBEDE. incontinuation,toneglectnomeansofgivingto thelaypopulationpastorscapableofteaching themthedoctrinesofsalvation,thehatredofsins whichareodioustotheLord,andthepracticeof goodworks; heinsistsuponfrequentandeven dailycommunion,accordingtotheusageofthe ChurchinItaly,Gaul,Africa,Greece,andthrough outalltheEast."Amongus,"saysBede,"thanks tothecarelessnessofthepastors,themostreligious laymendarenotcommunicateexceptatChrist mas,theEpiphany,andEaster,althoughthereare numberlessChristians,youngandold,ofpurelife, whomightwithoutscrupleapproachtheseholy mysteriesontheSundaysandfeastsoftheapostles andmartyrs,asyouhaveyourselfseenintheholy apostolicChurchofKome."1 Havingsaidthis,hedoesnothesitatetopoint outtotheprelateanabusewhichwasdestinedto risethroughoutalltheChurchtoa lamentable height."Beware,dearbishop,ofthecrimeof thosewhothinkonlyofdrawingearthlylucrefrom . . . necessariumestutplurestibisacriordinisadjutoresadsciscas.. . . Idiotas,idest,eosquiproprisetantumlingusenotitiamhabent,hsecipsa sualinguadiscereacsedulodecantarefacito.. . . Propterquodetipse multisssepesacerdotibusidiotishseeutraque...inlinguamAnglorum translatamobtuli.Quantoenimrariorahujussacratissmrioperisin episcopisnostrsegentisexemplareperis,tantoaltiora. . . prsemia recipies." 1 '' Eorumquoquequiinpopulariadhucvitacontinentursollicitamte necesseestcuramgerere,etsufficienteseisdoetoresvitsesalutarisadhibere memineris.. . . Cumsintinnumeriinnoeentesetcastissimseeonversa- tionispueriacpuellse,juvenesetvirgines,senesetanus.. . . Ipsietiam conjugati,siquissibimensuramcontinentiseostendatetvirtutemcasti- tatisinsinuet,idemetlicenterpossintetlibenterfacerevelint." THEVENERABLEBEDE. 79 theirministry.Itissaidthattherearemanyvil lagesinourNorthumberland,situatedamonginac cessiblehillsorwoods,wherethearrivalofabishop tobaptise,andteachthefaith,andthedistinction betweengoodandevil,hasneverbeenwitnessed, yetwherenooneisexemptfrompaymentofthe bishop'sdues.Thustherearebishopswho,far fromevangelisingtheirflockwithoutreward,as ourLordwills,receive,withoutpreaching,the moneywhichHehasforbiddenthem,evenwhile preaching,toaccept."1 Bede'sideawas,thatwiththehelpofthegood andpiousKingCeolwulf,itwouldbeveryeasy fortheBishopofYork,hisrelativeandfriend,to findacureforthesetroublesbyreturningtothe planofStGregorytheGreat—re-establishingthe metropolisofYork,anddividingthatdiocese, whichwasstill,notwithstandingthedivisions whichhadbeenforceduponWilfrid,muchtoolarge, amongtwelvesuffragans.Withhislogicaland practicalspirit,ourhistorianatoncepointsout themeansofarrivingatthisresultwithoutany fearofwoundingtheinterestsorexposingthe 1 '' Attendequidgravissimisceleris. . . antistesdilectissime.. . . Audivimusetfamaest,quiamultaevillaiacviculinostragentisinmon- tibussintinaecessisacsaltibusdumosispositi,ubinumquammultis transeuntibusannissitvisusantistes. . . quorumtamennecunusquidem atributisantistitireddendisessepossitimmunis. . . sicquefitutepis- eoporumquidamnonsolumgratisnonevangelizent."Lingard(Anglo- SaxonChurch,vol.i. p.183)believesthatwehaveinthispassagethe firstmentionoftithes,ofwhichthereisnofurthernoticeelsewherein Bede,andwhichdonotappeartohavebeenregularlyestablishedin Englandbeforethecloseoftheeighthcentury. so THEVENERABLEBEDE.

infirmitiesofhisorder."I knowverywell,"he says,"thatbythecarelessnessoftheoldkings, andtheirfoolishliberality,itisdifficulttofind unappropriatedlandstoendowthenewbishoprics. Forthisreasonitappearstomethat,afterhaving deliberated. onitinthegreatcouncil,withthe adviceofthepontiffandtheking,someexisting monasteryshouldbetakentobeerectedintoa bishopric.Andinorderthattheabbotandmonks maynotbetemptedtoopposition,theymustbe permittedtoelectthefuturebishopamongthem selves,tobeatoncetheheadofthemonastery andofthenewdiocese,ortochooseoneaccording tothecanonsoutsidetheircommunity,ifnoone suitablecanbefoundwithin.1Itwouldbeso muchthemoreeasytoincrease,ifthereisroom forit,theendowmentofnewdioceses,thatthere exist,asweallknow,numberlessplaceswhich Againstdis-bearthenameofmonasterieswithoutkeepingup orderlymo- # . nasteries,ashadowofmonasticobservance.Toappropriate theirpossessions,accordingtotheauthorityofpublic

1 "Etquidemnovimusquiaperincuriamregumprsecedentium,do- nationesquestultissimasfactumest,utnonfacilelocusvacansubisedes episeopalisnovafieridebeat,invenirivaleat.. . . Quaproptercom- modumduxerim,habitomajorieoncilioetconsensupontificalisimulet regaliedicto,prospiciaturlocusaliquismonasteriorumubisedetepiseo palisfiat.Etneforteabbasetmonachiresisteretentaverint,detur illislicentia,utdesuisipsieliganteumquiepiscopusordineturet adjacentiumlocorumquotquosadeamdemdicecesimpertineant,una cumipsomonasteriocuramgeratepiscopalem: autsiforteinipso monasterioquiepiscopusordinaridebeatinvenirinequeat,inipsorum tamenjuxtastatutacanorumpendeatexaminequidesuadicecesiordi neturantistes." THEVENERABLEBEDE. 81

assemblies,fortheendowmentofnewbishoprics, wouldbetosubstitutepurityforincontinence,tem peranceforgluttony,andpietyforvanity.Yes,Theabuse therearevastandnumerousestablishmentswhichtoriaigifts, areofusefornothing,neitherfortheserviceof Godnorman.Nomonasticruleisobservedamong them; noadvantageisdrawnfromthembythe earlsandknightswhohavetheburdenofdefend ingournationfromthebarbarians.He,then, whoshouldmakethemintonewbishopricswould beneitherausurpernoraprevaricator: hewould doaworkofsalvationandanactofvirtue."1 Hethenproceedstoforestalltheobjectionwhich mightbedrawnfromthesanctiongivenbykings andnationalassembliestothegiftswhichhaden dowedthesepseudo-monasteries."Wouldit,then, beasintocorrecttheunjustdecisionsofoldchiefs bytherevisionofmoreenlightenedmen,andto abrogatethelyingformulasofcertainscribesbythe authorityofpriestsandsages,inimitationofthese goodkingsofJudahofwhomScripturespeaks, whorepairedtheevildonebytheirimpiouspre decessors1 Lettheirexampleencourageyou,in concertwithourreligiousking,todestroythe unjustandirreligiousdecreesmadebytheformer 1 "Suntlocainnumera...inmonasteriorumascriptavocabulum, sednihilprorsusmonasticseconversationshabentia; e quibusvelim aliquadeluxuriaadcastitatem. . . synodicaauctoritatetransferantur. . . . Maximaetplurimasuntquse. . . nequeDeonequehominibus utiliasunt,quianequeregularissecundumDeumibivitaservatur,neque illamilitessivacomitesseculariumpotestatumquigeutemnostrama barbarisdefendantpossident." VOL.V. F 82 THEVENERABLEBEDE. chiefsofournation.Youwillthusprovideat onceforthespiritualandtemporalnecessitiesof ourcountry.Otherwiseweshallseeatthesame timetheloveandfearofHimwhoreadsthe heartdisappearfromamongus,andthenumber ofwarriorsdiminishwhoarechargedwiththe defenceofourfrontiersagainsttheincursionsof thebarbarians; foryouknowbetterthanI do, therearesomanylandsoccupiedbyfalsemonks thatnothingremainstobegiventothesonsof noblesandoldwarriors; bywhichtheyarere ducedeithertocrossthesea—desertingthe countrywhichtheyoughttohavedefendedwith theirswords—ortoconsumetheirmanhoodin debaucheryandidleness,forwantofa suitable establishmentonwhichtofoundafamily."1 Totheseconsiderationsofpoliticalandgeneral interest,whichthrowsomuchlightuponthe militaryandterritorialconstitutionoftheAnglo- Saxoncountries,Bedeaddsotherswhichreveal notlessperniciousabusesinthespiritualorder. "Astillmoreseriouscrime,"hesays,"iscom mittedwhenlaymen,withouteitherexperienceof 1 "Injustaprincipumjudiciarectomeliorumprincipumexamine corrigantur,acmendaxstilusseribaruminiquorumdiscretaprudentium ctsacerdotumsententiadeleatur.. . . Eaquseprovincialnostrasive secundumDeumsivesecundumseculumsintutilia,prospicere: ne. . . rarescentecopiamilitisesecularis,absintquifinesnostrosabarbarica incursionetueantur.. . . Omninodeestlocusubifiliinobiliumvel emeritorummilitumpossessionemacciperepossunt. . . ideoquevacan- tesacsineconjugio,exactotemporepubertatis,velpatriamproqua militaredebuerunt,transmareabeuntes,relinquunt; vel. . . luxurise acfornicationideserviant." THEVENERABLEBEDE. 83

orloveformonasticlife,givemoneytothekings asthepriceofcertainlands,underpretenceof buildingmonasteriesthere—andthenclaimto themselvesahereditaryrightovertheselandsby royaledictswhichareafterwardsconfirmedby thesignaturesofbishops,abbots,andthegreat peopleofthisworld.Intheestatesandvillages thususurpedtheyliveaccordingtotheirown pleasure,exemptfromallsubjectioneitherto Godorman; sometimes,thoughlaymen,ruling overmonks,orrathergatheringtogetherunder theguiseofmonksmenwhohavebeendriven outoftruemonasteriesfordisobedience,orwhom theycanseduceoutofsuch,orwhomtheyhave foundwanderingaboutthecountry; oreven takingsomeoftheirvassals,whoseheadsthey shave,andwhomtheybindtoakindofmonastic obedience.Whatamonstrousspectacleisthatof thesepretendedcells,filledwithmenhavingwives andchildren,whocomefromtheconjugalbedto managetheinternalaffairsofamonastery! There areevensomewhohavetheeffronterytoprocure similarconventsfortheirwives,wherethesesecu larwomendaretoundertakethegovernmentof theservantsofChrist.1Istherenotroomtosay 1 "Usurpatissibiagellulissivevicis,liberiexindeadivinosimulet humanoservitio. . . laicimonachisimperantes. . . quoseumqueob culpaminobedientiseverisexpulsosmonasteriisalicubiforteoberrantes invenerint. . . velquosipsidesuissatellitibusadsuacipiendamton- surampromissasibiobedientiamonachicainvitarequieverint.. . . Modoconjugisacliberorumprocurandarumcuramgerunt; modoexiir- gentesdecubilibusquidintraseptamonasteriorumgeridebeat. . . 84 THEVENERABLEBEDE. inthiscase,assaysourproverb,thatwhenthe waspsmakehoneycombsitistoputpoisoninside insteadofhoney?" Hethenproceedstoexposethedisastrouscon sequencesoftheseabuses,which,however,had begunonlyaboutthirtyyearsbefore.Sincethe deathofAldfridandtheendofWilfrid'spontifi cate,hecontinues,therewasscarcelyagreatnoble orealdormanwhohadnottakenadvantageofhis positiontoacquiresucha monasteryforhimself, orevenforhiswife,andbydegreestheofficials anddomesticsofthekingshadlearnedtodothe same.Theyallprofessedtobeabbots,whileatthe sametimegovernorsofprovinces,orofficersofthe royalhousehold,submittingtoakindoftonsure, inorder,bytheirownauthority,toraisethemselves, thoughsimplelaymen,notonlyintomonksbutinto abbots.1"Allthesescandals,"saysthevenerable historian,"mighthavebeenavoidedorrepressed hadnotthebishopsthemselvesbeentheprincipal offendersoraccomplices,confirmingbytheirsig naturestheconcessionsandgrantsofmonasteries, andsellingtheirbaseindulgenceformoneytothe falseabbots.2...IentreatyoubytheLord,dearest

pertractant.. . . Quaeparistultitiacumsintlaiose,famularumse Christipermittuntesserectrices." 1 "Nulluspeneexindepreefectorumexstiteretquinonhujusmodisibi monasteriumindiebussuseprsefecturse,suamquesimulconjugempari reatunoeivimercatusastrinxerit.. . . Seabbatespariteretprsefectos siveministrosautfamulosregisappellant. . . etsiaprofessioneilla. . . suntfunditusextorres." 2 "Sinonipsipontificesmagishujusmodissceleribusopemferreatqne THEVENERABLEBEDE. 85 bishop,preserveyourflockfromtheirruptionof thesedishonestwolves.Remember,thatifyou area trueandnota mercenarypastor,your dutyis toexaminecarefullyintoallthatis illorwellineverymonasteryofyourdiocese, inorderthatabbotsandabbessesinstructedin andsubjecttotheholyrulesmaybefound everywhere,worthyofpresidingovera family ofChrist'sservants,andnotaninsolentand undisciplinedcrowd,disdainfulofallspiritual rule.Theymustbe taughtresolutelythat kingsandgreatmen,unlessincasesofcrimes againsttheprincesthemselves,havenothingto dowiththemonasteries,whichremainunderthe soleauthorityofthebishops.Itisyourduty topreventthedevilfromusurpingthoseplaces consecratedto God,andsubstitutingdiscord forpeace,drunkennessforabstinence,debauchery andmurderforchastityandcharity....Iknow wellthatmyexhortationswillmeetmanygain- sayers,especiallyamongthosewhoaretheauthors oraccomplicesoftheexcessesI complainof. Butyoumusttreatwithapostolicvigourthose miserablesuccessorsofAnaniasandSapphira, whowerecutoffbysuddendeathfromthesoci etyofthefirstmonks,notevenforusurpingthe possessionsofothers,butforhavingdishonestly adstipulariprobarentur: qui. . . hujusmodidecretainjusta. . . suis subscriptionibusconflrmaresatagunt,eademipsisphylargyriadictante, adconfirmandummalescripta,quaemptorescomparandumhujusmodi monasteriacoacti." 86 THEVENERABLEBEDE. retainedwhatwastheirown.1Whenhedescribes avariceandcupidityasidolatry,theApostlePaul manifestlyjustifiesthoseAvhorefusetheirsignature, evenwhenexactedbytheking,totheseshameful bargains,andeventhosewhostrikethroughand eraseallsuchfataldocuments.2Donotthenallow yourselftobestoppedbythosewho,toprotectthe workoftheircovetousness,presentbeforeyou chartersfurnishedwiththesignaturesofgreatmen andnobles.3Answertheminthewordsofour Lord,'AllthatmyFatherinheavenhasnotplanted shallberootedout.'Inshort,donotpermitthose whoneverattempttostruggle,eveninthesmall estparticular,againstbodilyorspiritualcarnality, tolullthemselvestosleepbyavainconfidencein theirsalvation; dissipatethesenselessillusionof thosewhobelievethatotherswillredeemthem aftertheirdeathbythecelebrationofholymys teriesofwhichtheirliveshavemadethemun worthy,orthattheywillbeabsolvedfromtheir sinsforthesakeofsomealmsthrowntothepoor inthemidstoftheirdailyindulgencesandpassions. ThehandwhichgivestoGodmustbe,likethecon science,purefromallcrimeandsoil.4Thisismy 1 "AnaniametSaphirammonachorumcollegioindignosetiamcorporis mortemulctavit. . . etquidemillinonalienacolligere,sedsuaincon- grueretinerenialuerunt." 2 "Quivelsubscriptionsavarimercatus,regelicetimperante,manum substraxerunt." 3 "Quisichartasprotuleruntindefensionemconcupiscentiarumsu- armnascriptas,acnobiliumpersonarumsubscriptioneconfirmatas. 4 "QuummanusipseeteonscientiaqusemunusofferatDeo,mundaa peccatisdebeatesseetabsoluta." THEVENERABLEBEDE. 87

judgmentagainstthevenomofavarice.Ishould nevercometoanendhadItospeakatequallength ofothervices,fromwhichGodgiveyougrace,my dearestbishop,todeliveryourflock." Thewholeofthisadmirableletteristhusoccu piedwiththeindignantprotestofa truemonk againstthefalsemonks,whoalreadybegantoin fectthelifeofthecloister,andagainstthegreedy andfeeblebishopswhosanctionedortolerated theseunworthyabuses.Iftheexampleofthe venerableBedehadalwaysandeverywherefound imitators; ifpureandcourageousvoiceslikehis hadriseninthebosomoftheChurch,especiallyin recentages,towarnheragainsttheincomingofcor ruption,hypocrisy,andsecularcovetousness,itmay wellbebelievedthatthehomicidalhandofProtes tantorrevolutionaryvandalismwouldneverhave succeededinsweepingawayfromtheentiresurface oftheChristianworldthegloriousestablishments foundedOnethingbythemustmunificencebegladlyandadmitted,pietyofourwhichfathers.is, thattheboldfreedomandnobleindependenceof Bededidhimnoharm,andlessenedinnoway thegreatandjustreputationwhichheenjoyed throughoutEngland,a famewhichsoonspread intoallEurope,andwentonincreasingafterhis deathtosucha point,thatthecouncilofAix-la- Chapelle,helda hundredyearsafterwards,de scribedhimasan"admirabledoctor."1 1 "QuidYeuerabilisetmodernistemporibusdoctoradmirabilis,Beda 88 THEVENERABLEBEDE.

Heis Thispleasantandgloriouslifewasnot,however, accusedof ...... heresyin withoutacloud.Heexcitedthecriticismofvio- popular songs. ]entandnarrowspirits,likeallothersuperiormen. Theyevenwentsofarastotreathimasaheretic, becausehehadinhisChronologycombatedthe thengeneralopinionthattheworldwastolast onlysixthousandyears,andbecause,inhisdivi sionofthesixagesoftheworld,hehadappeareda littleuncertainaboutthedateordinarilyfixedas thatoftheIncarnation.Thisaccusationofheresy madesomuchnoise,thatitwasdiscussedeven amongthepeasants,whoscoffedatitintheir drinking-songs; a factwhichprovesthatifthe greatwerethen,asalways,exposedtocalumny, thepopularmassesofthedaytooka singular interestintheirgoodfame.Bede,whotookcredit tohimselfforhavingalwayskeptwithscrupulous carewithinthelimitsofthestrictestorthodoxy, wasatoncetroubledandrenderedindignantby thisimputation.Hegrewpalewithsurpriseand horror,ashesaystooneofhisfriends,amonk,in anapologeticletter—a letterfullofprideand energy,whichhechargeshiscorrespondenttoread toWilfrid,BishopofYork,whoseemstohave givena certainencouragementtotheslanderby sufferingittobeutteredattableinhispresence.1

presbytersentiat,videamus."—Concil.Aquisgran.,ii.prsef.,1.iii.,ann. 836,ed.Coletti,ix.875. 1 "Hsectristimoxadmistioneconfudit,addendovidelicet,quodme audiresalascivientibusrusticisinterhsereticosperpoculadecantari.. . . Exhorrui,fateor,etpallenspercunctabar,cujushsereseosarguerer.. . . THEVENEEABLEBEDE. 89

If,however,hehadsomeenemies,hehadmoreHisinti friends.Amonathese,inthefirstrank,itisplea-macythemonkswith s ' . . . ofL1ndis- santtofindthemonksofLindisfarne.Theirfarne, friendshipwithBedemaintainsandprovesthe linkwhich,notwithstandingcertaindifferencesof originandopinion,attachestheisland-cradleof theChristianfaithinNorthumbriatothelastof thegreatmonasticfoundations,andthelastofthe greatmonkswhoillustratedthatgloriouscoast. Bedeaskedthathisnameshouldbeinscribedon therollofmonksinthemonasteryfoundedbySt Aidan.Hespeciallydesiredthisfavourinorder thathissoulafterdeathmighthaveashareinthe massesandprayersofthatnumerouscommunity asifhehadbeenoneofthemselves.1 ThispiousanxietytoassurehimselfofthehelpHislast ofprayerforhissoulafterhisdeathisapparentat everystepinhisletters.Itimprintsthelastseal ofhumbleandtrueChristianityonthecharacterof thegr-eatphilosopher,whoselifewassofullofin terest,andwhoselastdayshavebeenrevealedto usinminutedetailbyaneyewitness.Althoughthe

Quoniamillopnesenteatqueaudienteinsipientiussumpriusappetitus conviciis,ipsoetiamnuncaudienteetdijudicante,. . . qnamimmeritus eademconviciasumperpessusappareat.. . . Quodutiqueinccenailla inquapoculodebriusculparestuduit."—Epist.adPlegwinummonachum, ti.p.144-154.ThisWilfridisnotthegreatStWilfrid,butWilfridII., whowasBishopofYorkfrom717to732,afterStJohnofBeverley,and beforeEgbert. 1 ''Medefuncto,proredemptioneanimsemese,quasifamiliariset vernaculivestri,orareetmissasfacere,etnomenmeumintervestra scriberedignemini. . . utinalbovestrsesanctecongregationismeum nuncquoquenomenappareret."—PrcefatioadVU.S.Cuthberti. 90 THEVENERABLEBEDE.

narrativehasbeenoftenrepublished,1thereader doesnottireofreturningtoit,anditmustfinda placehere,fornohistoricdocumentbringsmore clearlybeforeoureyesthelife,atoncespiritualand literary,oftheAnglo-Saxoncloisters."Youdesire andexpectofme,"writesamonkofYarrowtoone ofhisabsentbrethren,"totellyouhowBede,our fatherandmaster,thebelovedofGod,departedfrom 17thaprilthisworld NearlyafortnightbeforeEaster hewasseizedbyanextremeweakness,inconse quenceofhisdifficultyofbreathing,butwithout 26thMay.greatpain.HecontinuedthusuntilAscension, alwaysjoyousandhappy,givingthankstoGod dayandnight,andeveneveryhourofthenight andday.Hegaveusourlessonsdaily,andem ployedtherestofhistimeinchantingpsalms; and passedeverynight,aftera shortsleep,injoyand thanksgiving,butwithoutclosinghiseyes.From themomentofawakingheresumedhisprayersand praisestoGod,withhisarmsintheformofacross. 0happyman! Hesangsometimestextsfrom StPaulandotherscriptures,sometimeslinesin ourownlanguage,forhewasveryableinEnglish poetry."2 Herethenarratorinterruptshimselfto

1 InthelastplacebyOzanam,whohasmadeaperfectpictureofthe lifeofBedeandtheAnglo-SaxonChurchoftheeighthcentury.The nameoftheauthorofthenarrativeisCuthbert; hewasadiscipleof Bede,andwrotefromYarrowtooneofhisfellow-pupils,namedCuth- wine,whowasestablishedinadistantmonastery,probablyonebelonging totheCelticritualists,accordingtoa passagequotedbyLingard, Anglo-SaxonChurch,vol.ii.p.197. 2 "Laitusetgaudens. . . immohorisomnibus. . . totamnoctemin THEVENERABLEBEDE. 91 quotetenlinesinAnglo-Saxonreceivedfromthelips ofthedyingBede,andexpressedinthatshort,sharp, andstrikingrhythmwhichcharacterisestheverses oftheshepherdCeadmon,withwhichBedehasmade usacquainted."Beforeourforceddeparture,"thus runsthesong,"nomanismorewisethanheneeds be;nomanknowshowmuchheoughttosearch, beforeleavingthisworld,whatshallbethejudgment ofthesoulforgoodorevil,afterthedayofdeath."1 "Healsosang,"continuesthewitness,"anthems accordingtohisliturgyandours—amongothers, thefollowing: ' 0KingofGlory,whonowhast mountedintriumphabovetheskies,leaveusnot likeorphans,butsendusthespiritoftruthpro misedtoourfathers.'Atthesewords,likeorphans, heburstintotears.Anhourafter,herepeatedthe sameanthem,andwemingledourtearswithhis. Sometimeswewept,andsometimesweread,butwe neverreadwithoutweeping.Thuspassedtheforty daysfromEastertoAscension.Hewasalwaysat theheightofjoy,thankingGodforhissickness.2 HesaidwithStPaul,' TheLordscourgethevery onethathereceivethandwithStAmbrose,'I hetitiaetgratiarumactionepervigilducebat,nisiquantummodicus somnusimpediret....Innostraquoquelingua,quseestAnglica,ut eratdoctusinnostriscarminibus,nonnulladixit." 1 Theselines,omittedbyMabilloninhiseditionofCuthbert'sstory, whichistakenfromSimeonofDurham,arefoundinamanuscriptofSt Gall,almostacontemporaryofBede,andthereisnodoubtoftheir authenticity.Cf.Linoard,p.409. 2 "Prorupitinlacrymas. . . luximuscumillo. . . alteravice legimus,alteraploravimus.Immosempercumfletnlegimusuttali laetitiadiesusqueaddiemdeduximus,etillemultumgaudebat." 92 THEVENERABLEBEDE. havenotlivedsoastoblushatthethoughtof livingwithyou; butI donotfeartodie,because wehaveagoodmaster.'1 "Duringallthesedays,iuadditiontothelessons hegaveusandthepsalmshesangwithus,heunder tooktwopiecesofwork: atranslationoftheGospel accordingtoJohnintoourEnglishtongueforthe useoftheChurchofGod,andsomeextractsfrom Isidore,BishopofSeville.' For/saidhe,' I would nothavemychildrenreadlies,northataftermy deaththeyshouldgivethemselvesuptofruitless work.'OntheTuesdaybeforeAscensionhefound himselfmuchworse; hisbreathingbecamedifficult, andhisfeetwereswollen.Hecontinued,never theless,todictateingoodspirits,andsometimes added,' Makehastetolearn,forIknownothow longImayremainwithyou,orifmyCreatormay Callmeshortly.'Ontheeveofthefeast,atthe firstdawnofmorning,hedesiredthatwhathad beencommencedshouldbequicklyfinished,and weworkedtillthehouroftierce.Thenwewentto theprocessionwiththerelicsofthesaints,asthe solemnoccasionrequired.Butoneofusremained byhimandsaidtohim,' Thereisstillachapter wanting,belovedfather; woulditfatigueyouto speakanymoreV Bedeanswered,' I amstill abletospeak; takeyourpen,makeit,andwrite rapidly.'Theotherobeyed.Atthehourofnones hesentforthe1 S.priestsPaulinus,ofintheFit.monastery,S.Ambrosii.anddistri- THEVENERABLEBEDE. 93 butedtothemincense,spices,andfinelinen,which hehadkeptaspreciousthings; thenbadethem farewell,prayingeachofthemtosaymassesforhim. Thuspassedbislastdaytilltheevening.Thenthe discipleofwhomIhavespokensaidtohim,' Be lovedmaster,thereremainsonlyoneversewhich isnotwritten.''Writeitthenquickly,'hean swered.Andtheyoungmanhavingcompletedit in a fewminutes,cried,' Nowit isfinished.' ' Yousaytruly,itis finished,'hesaid.' Take myheadinyourarmsandturnme,forI have greatconsolationinturningtowardstheholy placewhereIhaveprayedsomuch.'Thus,lying onthefloorofhiscell,hesangforthelasttime, ' GlorybetotheFather,totheSon,andtothe HolySpirit,'andgaveuptheghostashepro nouncedthelastofthesedivinenames."1 Themonasticsanctuarytowardswhichthedying lookofBedewasturnedstillremainsinpart,if wemaybelievethebestarchaeologists,andhis memoryhassurvivedthechangesoftime.An oldoakenchairisstillshownwhichheissupposed tohaveused.Itistheonlyexistingrelicofthis greatsaint.Forhewasa saintbythesametitle 1 "Noloutdiscipulimeimendacinmlegant.. . . Totumillumdiem hilariterdictabat.. . . Disertecumfestinatione.. . . Adhucmagister dilectissime,capitulumunumdeest; videturnetibidifficilepluste interrogari? Facileest,accipetuumcalamumettempera,etfestinanter scribe.. . . Currevelociteretpresbyterosadducadme.. . . Qusedam pretiosainmeacapsellahabes,idestpiperem,orariaetincensa.. . . Accipecaputmeuminmanustuas,quiamultummedelectatsedereex adversolocosanctomeo,inquooraresolebam....Inpavimentocasulse suaidecantans." 94 THEVENERABLEBEDE.

andinthesamerankasthemostillustriousinthe Anglo-Saxoncalendar.ThetitleofVenerable, whichwasgiventohimonlyintheninthcentury byakindofuniversalconsent,didnotthenas nowimplyaninferiorpositiontothatofsaintor blessedinthecelestialhierarchy.Likeallthe othersaintsoftheperiod,withoutexception,hewas canonisedbypopularveneration,tacitlyapproved bytheChurch.Variousmiraclesestablishedor confirmedthefameofhissanctity: altarswere consecratedtohismemory;manypilgrimscame toYarrowtovisithistomb;vhisrelicswerestolen intheeleventhcentury,assooftenhappened,bya priestinspiredbytooardentdevotion,andcarried toDurham,wheretheywereplacedwiththoseof StCuthbert.Theywereanobjectofworshipto thefaithfuluptothegeneralprofanationunder HenryVIII.,whopulleddowntheshrineandthrew thebonesonadunghillalongwiththoseofallthe otherholyapostlesandmartyrsofNorthumberland.1 1 Ifwemaybelieveacompetentjudge,MrJewitt(Gentleman'sMaga zine,Dec.1864),thechoirofthelittlechurchnowstandingatYarrow isasoldasthechurchbuiltbyBenedictBiscop,andinhabited,as wemaysay,byVenerableBede.Thisistheremnantwhichwas discoveredrooflessbythethreemonkswho,accordingtoSimeonof Durham,visitedtheruinsin1075.Thelearnedarchseologistthinks thatherecognises,intheornamentsandintheprimitivebaysofthis choir,thecharacteristicsofSaxonarchitecture.Weconfessthatitis difficulttoconceivehowthislowandpettyconstructioncanrepresent anyportionwhateveroftheedificebuiltandornamentedwithsomuch magnificencebythefounderofYarrow,anddescribedwithsuchenthu siasmbythemostillustriousofhisguests.Thetower,indeed,which isoffineNormanorBomanarchitecture,mayverywelldatefromthe partialrestorationin1075.Aninscription,evidentlymoremodernthan itsdate,fixesthededicationofthechurchonApril24,681,inthe15th THEVENERABLEBEDE. 95

Itmust,however,beadmittedthathisplacein theworshipofthefaithfulhasnotlastedsolong asthegloryattachedtohisnameandthegreat famewhich,risinginhisnativecountry,spread sorapidlyoverallChristendom.1Hisfamedid honourtomonasticinstitutionsingeneral.Bede appearedtotheCatholicworlda modelofthat virtueandknowledgewhichthecloisterwasto makethepeculiarpropertyofChristiansociety. InhimthegreatRomanmonachismwhichhehad seentriumphoverCelticinfluencesfounditsper sonification.Theswordofhiswords,saidhis epitaph,wasthesafeguardofthefortressesoccupied byhisreligiousbrethren.2 ButitwasespeciallytheEnglishnation,the lastnew-comeramongCatholicnations,whichhad occasiontotakeprideinthegreatmangivenby hertoChristendom.Allthekingdomsofthe Heptarchyclaimedashareintheglorywhichcould notbeallowedtoremaintheexclusivepossession oftheNorthumbrians—andtheAnglo-Saxonmis- yearofKingEgfrid,andCeolfridiabbatisejusdemecclcsiceDeoauctore conditoris,annoIV. i "Angliatecelebrat: tetotuspersonatorbis." —AncientepitaphquotedbyLeland,Collectanea,vol.iii.bookiv.c.23. 2 "Crystalluspatrise,gregisastrum,lumenavorum, Lausjuris,bajuluslegis,honorquejaeet. Bedadatussacris,gravitatesenex,puerannis, Devotaimentissetherathurereplet.. . . EnseNeChristipioverbimiles,confratrumhosteruente,castramat."tuetur —EpitaphquotedbyMabillonfromaMS.belongingtoDeThou. "Beda,Deifamulus,monacborumnobilesidus, FinibuseterrseprofuitEcclesise." —AnotherepitaphquotedbyArnoldWion. 96 THEVENERABLEBEDE.

sionaries,scatteredthroughGermany,rivalledthe monkswhoremainedintheirnativeislandin thefaithfulnessoftheirdevotiontohisnoble memory.1 ThenationsofCatholicEuropeenviedEng landthepossessionofsogreatadoctor,thefirst amongtheoffspringofbarbarousraceswhohad wonaplaceamongthedoctorsoftheChurch. Hisillustrioussuccessors,Bonifaceand.Alcuin, emulatedeachotherincelebratinghismeritsand servicesintheinterestofsouls,andinorderto sethimupasa permanentmodeltofuturegen erations.2Alcuininsistsspeciallyuponthiswith a precisionofdetailswhichgivesusoneproof themorehowentirelythelikingsandmanners oftheAnglo-SaxonconquerorsofEnglandare reflectedinthetastesofthemodernEnglish. "Remember,"hewritestothemonksofthecom munityofYarrowwhichBedehadmadefamous— "rememberthenobilityofyourfathers,andbenot theunworthysonsofsuchgreatancestors; look atyourmanybooks,atthebeautyofyourchurches andmonasticbuildings.Letyouryoungmen 1 "EtrectumquidemmihivideturuttotagensAngloruminomnibus provinciis,ubicumquerepertisunt,gratiasDeoreferant,quiatammira- bilemvirumillisinsuanationedonavit."—S.BonifaciietLuluEpist, ed.JaffS,number134.SeetheletterwrittenbyanabbotofWearmouth toLul,ArchbishopofMayence,thankinghimforhavingsentfromGer manyasilkenstuffintendedtowraptherelicsofBede. 2 "RogamusutaliquadeopusculissagacissimiinvestigatoriusScrip- turarumBedan(sic)monachi,quemnuperindomoDeiapudvos,vice candelseecclesiasticse,scientiascripturarumfulsisseaudivimus,con- scriptanobistransmitteredignemini."—BonifaciiEpist.,672,ed.Jaffe". THEVENERABLEBEDE. 97 learntopersevereinthepraisesofGod,andnot indrivingfoxesoutoftheirholes,orwearing outtheirstrengthrunningafterhares.What follytoleavethefootstepsofChrist,andrun afterthetrailofa fox! Lookatthenoblest doctorofourcountry,Bede; seewhatzealhe showedforknowledgefromhisyouth,andthe glorywhichhehasreceivedamongmen,though thatismuchlessimportantandlessdazzlingthan hisrewardbeforeGod.Stirup,then,themindsof yoursleepersbyhisexample; studyhisworks, andyouwillbeabletodrawfromthem,bothfor yourselvesandothers,thesecretofeternalbeauty."1 ThefameofBedehasderiveda specialand increasinglustrefromthefactthathewasnotonly thefirstandmostremarkableofAnglo-Saxons, butthat,werehesetaside,everythingelsecon cerningthemwouldfallintoobscurity;2thusitis notwithoutreasonthathehasbeencomparedto Homer,whoroselikearesplendentmeteoramidthe nightwhichprecedesandthenightwhichfollows hisappearanceuponthehorizonofGreekhistory.

1 "AssuescantpuerilaudibusastaresuperniRegis,nonvulpiumfodere cavernas,nonleporumfugacessequicursua.QuamimpiumestChristi amittereobsequiaetvulpiumsequivestigia! DiseantpueriScripturas sacras.. . . RecogitatenobilissimumhujustemporismagistrumBedam presbyterum. . . qualemnunchabetinterhomineslaudem."—Alouini Epist.13,ed.Froben,vol.i.p.22. 2 Certaincontemporarychroniclesfindnothingtodescribeinthe historyofEnglandduringtheseventhandeighthcenturiesexceptthe existenceofBede."BedapresbyteretmonachusclaretinAnglia."— Chron.HollandVetustiss.,ad.an.696,quotedbyMackintosh,vol.i.p.83. VOL.V. G '98 THEVENERABLEBEDE.

ThedarknightofidolatrywhichcoveredNorth- umbriabeforetheholypredecessorsandcontempo rariesofBede,hasbeenreplacedbythedarknight ofindustry.Theworkingofthecoal-mineshas transformedthefaceofthecountry.Thelightof dayispositivelydarkenedbythickvolumesand heavycloudsofsmokebelchedoutwithoutinter missionbythemanufactoriesandworkshopswhich arefedbytheinexhaustiblemineralwealthofthe country.Newcastle,NorthandSouthShields, Sunderland,Stockton,Darlington,Hull,allthe centresofthecoal-trade,havereplacedintheat tentionandregardofmentheoldmonasticcradles ofChristianfaithandcivilisation,Lindisfarneand Yarrow,TynninghamandColdingham,Tynemouth andWearmouth,HartlepoolandWhitby.But whatacontrast,evenifwegonofurtherthanthe surface,betweentheaspectofthecountryofold andthatofto-day! Themuch-prizedcoalhas coveredthisfinecountrywithaveilofmourn ing.Theverdureofthewoodsandfieldsisdis colouredbyit,thelimpidwaterssoiled,thepurity oftheairinfected,thelightofthesunintercepted. Everythingdisposesustobelievethatthesearebut materialtokensoftheinternalandmoraldarkness, inthemidstofwhichstrugglesthevastandformi dablepopulationwhichswarmsinthosecratersof Britishcommerce.Thefrightfuldensityofthese unknownandimpenetrablemassesconcealsabysses ofignorance,vice,wretchedness,andresentment. THEVENERABLEBEDE. 99

TherePaganismisrestored.Notwithstandingmany generousefforts,partialremedies,andhonourable exceptions—notwithstandingtheobservance,still compulsoryandrespected,oftheSundayrest,— theloveoflucrehascreatedarmiesofslaves,tools withoutsouls,butalreadylonging,andwithgood reason,forabetterfate,foraconditionlesspainful thanthat,thedurationandaggravationofwhich oughttofillwithtremblingeveryChristianand patrioticheart. Thelightoffaithandthemorallawisstill morewantingtothemthandaylight.Buriedalive intheirminesandmanufactories,withoutpontiffs, withoutspiritualguides,apreytoallthedisorders, excesses,andforgetfulnesseswhicheveraccompany thelabourofa crowd,strangerstothethought ofGod,toanyhopeina futurelife,tohabitsof modesty,1victimsandinstrumentsoftheworship ofmammon,theystandtherelikea perpetual menacetotheblindegotismandformalismofthe materialistsofourage. NomancanadmiremorethanI dothemarvels ofhumanintelligenceandactivityrealisedbythe freegeniusoftheEnglishrace; nomandoesmore sincerehomagetoitsnaturalandunconquerable instinctsofreligion.Butwhocouldbeholdwith outfear,inthatdistrict,oncesofruitfulinsanctu ariesofprayer,virtue,andmoralandintellectual

1 Seevol.iv.p.441,note2,whathasbeensaidofthefactsrevealedby theParliamentaryCommissioninthecoaldistricts. 100 THEVENERABLEBEDE. life,thereligiousindifferenceandfiercethirstfor gainwhichreplacealmosteverywherethetender andvigilantsolicitudeoftheChurchforsouls1 Whocouldbeotherthanalarmedatsightof thedesertedcondition,thespiritualnullity,in whichsomanymillionsofourfellow-creaturesare living? Howcanweceasetoregretthedays whentheobedientfervourofthepeopleanswered sowelltothezeal,knowledge,anddisinterested nessoftheclergy1 andwhen,likethelighthouses whichwenowseeeverywhere,ontheheadlands,at theriver'smouth,attheedgeofrockyreefs,and alongallthecourseofthatdangerousandmuch frequentedcoast,offeringtheirtutelarylighttothe sailor,thereroseuponthoseshores,thendesert, unknown,andinhabitedonlybyafewsavages,the sparklinglights,increasingfromyeartoyear,of Lindisfarne,Yarrow,Whitby,Coldingham,Wear- mouth,andTynemouth—centresofintellectualand morallife,aslaboriousasitwaspure! Perhapsthedaymayyetcome—andmayitnot befardistant!—when,asofold,amidthewonders andperilsofmodernactivity,newcentresofcha rity,enlightenment,andpeacemaylightupone aftertheother,likesomanycelestialbeaconsto guideandwarnsoulsintheirpilgrimagetowards eternallife. CHAPTEEV.

THEROYALMONKS.

ThestarofNorthumbriapales,notwithstandingtheerectionofthesee ofYorkintoanarchbishopric.—SadendofthelineageofOswy.— KingCeolfrid,towhomBedededicateshisHistory,becomesamonk atLindisfarne.—HissuccessorEadbertfollowshisexample.—Other monk-kings.—AlmosteachdynastyoftheHeptarchyfurnishesits share: InEastAnglia,Sigebert,whodiesonthefieldofbattle; In Essex,Sebbi,wholeadsbackhispeopletothefaith—hisdesiretodie insolitude; andOffa,whodiesatRome; InMercia,whichinherited thepreponderatingpowerofNorthumbria,Ooenred,thetravelling companionandfellow-noviceofOffa; Ethelred,founder,monkand abbotofBardeney.—AnotherMercianking,Ceolred,diesinade bauch.—Ethelbald,pursuedbyCeolred,takesrefugeinthemarsh ofCroylandwiththehermitGuthlac,whopredictstohimthathe willbeKingofMercia.—WhatGuthlachadbeenbeforehebecamean anchorite.—Hissolitaryliferesemblesthoseofsomeofthemostillus trioussaintsofthemonasticorder.—DeathofGuthlac.—Foundation ofthecelebratedAbbeyofCroylanduponthesiteofhiscell.—Con tinuationandendofthereignofEthelbald.—Remonstrancesofthe Anglo-SaxonmissionariesinGermany.—Thesupremacypassesfrom MerciatoWessex.—Three"WestSaxonkingsabdicatetobecome monksorpilgrimstoRome: Centwin; Ceadwalla,thefriendofWil frid,wholivesjustlongenoughtobebaptisedbythePope; andIna, thefriendofStAldhelm.—ReignofIna,thelegislator,victor,and pacificatoroftheBritons; restoreroftheCelticsanctuaryofGlaston bury,thefirstprotectorofStBoniface.—Inconsequenceofasurprise preparedforhimbyhiswife,hegoestoRomeasapenitenttodie, andfoundstheScholaSaxonumthere.—CrowdofAnglo-Saxonpil grimsofbothsexestoRome.—Abusesanddisorders.—Falsemonks andfalsepilgrims.—TheageofgoldachimeraintheChurchas elsewhere. 102 THEROYALMONKS. "Mustlose Thenameofking?0'God'sname,letitgo. I'llgivemyjewelsforasetofbeads, Mygorgeouspalaceforahermitage; Mygayapparelforanalmsman'sgown; Myfiguredgobletsforadishofwood; Mysceptreforapalmer'swalkingstaff; Mysubjectsforapairofcarvedsaints; Andmylargekingdomforalittlegrave, Alittle,littlegrave,anobscuregrave." —Shakespeare,RichardII. BedededicatedhisHistoryoftheEnglishtothe kingofhisdearNorthumbria,Ceolwulf,whose tendersolicitudeformonasticinterestsmadehim hopeforanapproachingreformoftheabusesof ecclesiasticalgovernmentinthenorthofEngland.1 Buttwoyearsafterthedeathofthegreatmonastic historian,Ceolwulfhimselfbecameamonk.He wasoftheraceofIdatheBurner,sprung,how ever,fromanotherbranchthanthatfromwhich cameallthosedescendantsofEthelfridtheRav- ager,whoseconnectionwithA'idanandWilfrid, HildaandEbba,LindisfarneandMelrose,hasal readyoccupiedussolong. Sadendof ThelineofEthelfridhadcometoasadconclu- oswy. sioninthatyoungOsred,whocametothethrone ' ' duringthelaststrugglesofWilfrid,andwhom thepeoplehadtakenpleasurein regardingas theadoptedsonofthegreatbishop.2Farfrom walkinginthefootstepsofhisfatherAldfridand hisgrandfatherOswy,hehasleftnotraceofsym pathywiththeinstitutionsandideasrepresented i "Proinsitasibidilectionepietatis,quicquidadregulampietatis pertinet,firmaprotinusintentioneadjuvarecurabit."—Epist.adEcg- bertum,c.5. a Seevol.iv.p.335. THEROYALMONKS. 103 amongtheAnglo-Saxonsbythemonks.Froman earlyagehemanifestedalltheinclinationsofa tyrant,abandoninghimselftofrequentexplosions ofwildpassion,whichshowonlytooclearlyhow hardwasthetaskofthedoctorsandministersof ChristianpurityamongtheTeutonicraces.ItWasLicentious- thedelightofhisprecociousandimpetuouslibertin-youngking ismtooutragevirginsconsecratedtotheLord,and716. hewentfrommonasterytomonasterytoseekhis sacrilegiousprey.1Ontheotherhand,heobliged thenobleswhomheoppressed,whenhedeignedto sparetheirlivesinhismassacres,tobeshaven,and toburythemselvesagainsttheirwillintheclois ters.2ButAalreadyviolentthedeathstarputofNorthumbriaastoptohisevilhadways.paled beyondremedy.Thefinalerectionofthegreatnor-Thefor- . . tunesof thernbishopricofYorkintoametropolis,towhichNorthum allthebishopricsnorthoftheHumberweretobetofail-briabegin

1 "Osredumspiritusluxurisefornicantemetpermonasterianonnarum sacratasvirginesstuprantemetfurentcmagitavit,usquequoipseglorio- sumregnumetjuvenilemvitametipsamluxuriosamanimamcontempti- bilietdespectamorteperdidit."—S.BonifaciiEinst.59adEihelbaldum. "Turpemvitamsanctimonialiumstuprisexagitans."—Guill.Malmes- bur.,i.53. 2 "Nonproceresveneratuserat: nondeniqueChristum.. Hieigiturmultusmiserandamorteperemit. Astalioscogitsummoservireparenti, InquemonasteriiattonsoscoDsistereBeptis.. . . Anglorumproceresnimiumtrucidantetyranno ServitiumDominimilesprrefatusinibat." —EthelwolfiCarmendeAbbatibusetVirisPitsZindisfarnens.,c.2 and4. Mabillon(Act.SS.0.S.B., t.iv.p.317),inpublishingthispoem, provedthat,notwithstandingitstitle,thiswasnotthegreatMonastery ofLindisfarneofwhichwehavesolargelyspoken,butanothermonaster}' ofthesamename,foundedbyDukeEadmund,"duxnobilisnatuetmori- bus,"oneofthosewhomKingOsredforcedtobecomemonks. 104 THEROYALMONKS.

subject,wasnotsufficienttorestoretoNorthumbria thepowerwhichshehadexercisedunderkings likeOswaldandOswyandbishopslikeA'idanand Wilfrid.Egbert,theBishopofYork,thecorre spondentofBede,andaprinceofthereigning dynasty,obtainedfromPopeGregoryII.,after repeatedrequests,there- establishmentofthe metropolitandignity,whichhadbeenatfirstbe stowedupontheseeofYorkbyStGregorythe Great,butwhich,sincetheflightofPaulinus,had fallenintodisuse,andwhichthelaterdecreesof PopesVitalianusandAgathonhadseemedto sacrificetothesupremacyofCanterbury.This restoration,however,wasofadvantageonlytothe splendourofthenewmetropolis,andinnowayto thekingdomofwhichitwasthecapital,asindeed theauthorityofCanterbury,solonguniversaland alwaysundisputed,hadnotgiventheslightest supremacyovertherestoftheHeptarchytothe Kingceoi-kingsAfteroftwoKent.obscurereigns,Ceolwulfattemptedin wulfbe-. ° r comesa yaintostruggleagainstthedisorderanddecadence Lmdis-0fhiscountry.Hewasvanquished,andmade captivebyenemieswhosenamesarenotrecorded, andhadtosubmit,ashappenedtomorethanone Merovingianprince,toreceivethetonsurebycom pulsion,andwasshutupinaconvent.Heescaped, however,regainedthecrown,andreignedforsome timeina mannerwhichgainedtheapplauseof Bede,andweighedwiththePopeinhisdecisionin THEROYALMONKS. 105 respecttothemetropolisofYork.But,aftera reignofeightyears,aregret,oranunconquerable desire,forthatmonasticlifewhichhadbeenfor merlyforceduponhimagainsthiswill,seizedhim. Hemadethebestprovisionspossibleforthesecu rityofhiscountry,andfora goodunderstand ingbetweenthespiritualandtemporalauthori ties,nominatingashissuccessoraworthyprinceof hisrace,thebrotherofArchbishopEgbert.Then givingupthecaresofpower,andshowinghimself trulythemasterofthewealthheresigned,hecut hislongbeard,hadhisheadshavedintheformof acrown,andretiredtoburyhimselfanewatLindis- farne,inthechiefmonasticsanctuaryofhiscountry. Hetherepassedthelastthirtyyearsofhislifein737-767. studyandhappiness.1Hehad,whileking,enriched thismonasterywithmanygreatgifts,andobtained permissionfortheuseofwineandbeerformonks who,uptothattime,accordingtotherigidruleof ancientCatholicdiscipline,hadbeenallowedno beveragebutwaterandmilk. Hissuccessor,Eadbert,followedhisexample.Hissuc- i i • e cessor, Afterhaving,duringareign01twenty-oneyears,ff°ert^. victoriouslycontendedagainstthePicts,Scots,example. Mercians,andWelsh—afterhavingreceivedpre sentsandoffersofalliancefromthefirstofthe

1 "Verebeatusetlitterarumscientiasufficienterconstitutus."—Gotll. Malmesbub.,i.6i."Spontedivitiarumnonservus,seddominus,quasi magnusTilesabjecit."—HenriHuntingd.Hist.,1.iv.p.340."Barbam deposuit,coronamaccepit."—SimeonDdnelm.,DeGeat.Reg.,p.69,and 139,ap.Twysden,vol.1. 106 THEROYALMONKS.

Carlovingians,PepintheShort,—hebecameamonk atYork,wherehehadalreadyfoundedwhatwas thencalledaverynoblelibrary,andwhereheen rolledhimselfamongthemonkswhoconstituted theclergyofhisbrotherthearchbishop'smetro polis.Helivedtherefortwoyears,preferring, saysanannalist,theserviceofGodtoallthe kingdomsoftheearth,andraptbyhisviolentlove forthecelestialcountry.1Carehasbeentakento provethathereceivedtheRomantonsure,thatof StPeter,andnotthatoftheCelts,whichisthe lastmentioninhistoryofadifferencewhich,acen turyearlier,hadstirredupsomanytempests.2 ThesetwokingsofNorthumbriawerenotthe firstoronlyoneswhoembracedmonasticlife. Eadbert,indeed,istheeighthpointedoutbyEng lishchroniclersashavingpreferredtheeightbeati tudesofvoluntarypovertytothegrandeursofthis world.3Certainannalistsevengosofarasto countmorethanthirtykingsorqueensofthedif ferentAnglo-Saxonkingdomswhoenteredthenew cloistersWhattransformationduringtheseventhhadandthuseighthpassedcenturies.4uponthose heathens,savagedescendantsofOdin,impetuous 1 Sim.Dunelm.,Sid.Dunelm.Eccles.,Lii.c.3,ibid. 2 "Deiamoriscausaetccelestispatriseviolentia,acceptaS.Petriton- sura."—App.adBedam,ann.758. 3 "Quiproregnotemporalicommutaveruntseternum,utoctobeati- tudinumjucunditatem,qusevoluntarisepaupertatidebetur,profuture haberentinccelis."—Rich.Cirenc,p.242.Mabilloncountseightbe foreEadbert,whoistheninthonhislist.—Act.SS.0.S.B.,vol.iii. p.463. 4 Stevens,continuationofDugdale,vol.i.p.19. THEROYALMONKS. 107 andbloodychieftainsofa racewhichbreathed onlywarandpillage,andknewnogreatershame thantodieapeacefuldeath! Weseethempene tratedbythespiritofgentlenessandconcord,seek ingunion,fraternity,evenequality,andthatsome timeswiththehumblestoftheirsubjects,underthe Benedictinehabit,inthenightlychantofpsalms,in thepeacefullaboursofagricultureorofthemonastic library.Theysought,theyaspiredtothatretreat,as thecrownoftheirwarlikeexploitsandtheirpolitical andmilitarycareer.Butitwaslittletothesatis factionoftheAnglo-Saxonstoseethemselvesthus abandonedbytheirkings.Thespiritofproud independencewhichmadethem,likealltheother Teutonicnations,sooftenrebelliousandintractable, didnotexpelfromtheirmindsapassionateaffec tion,orrathera mysteriousworship,fortheold bloodofthefirstchiefsoftheconquest.Theymade vaineffortstokeeptheirkingsbackfromtheclois ter,andreservedtothemselvestherightofreclaim ingthembytheirownwilloragainstit,inorder toputthemattheheadofthearmy,andmarch againsttheenemyundertheirorders.Suchwas thefate,ashasbeenseen,1ofKingSigebertof EastAnglia,thefirstoftheAnglo-Saxonswho enteredthecloister,andwho,tornfromhiscellby hisdesperatesubjectstoleadthemagainstthe pitilessPenda,endedhislife,likesomanyofhis heathenancestors,onthefieldofbattle. 1 Vol.iv.p.93. 108 THEROYALMONKS.

Eachdy- . EachofthedynastiesoftheHeptarchyfurnished nastyfur-, ... nishedcontingentits insuccessionitscontingenttothenewarmy.J Like nasticm°^eUffingsofEastAnglia,andthedescendantsof order. foejy[an0fYireinNorthumberland,thechildren ofthegodSaxnote,whomthebaptisedSaxons1 weremadetoabjurealongwiththegodsThorand sebbi,KingWoden,hadalsotheirtonsuredking.Thisrace ofEssex. reignedovertheSaxonsoftheEast,whomKing Sebbihadthehappinessofbringingbacktothe 665-695.faith,aftertheirfirstdefection.2Thesameking, whohadreignedforthirtyyearsasafaithfulsol dieroftheKingofkings,obtained,notwithout difficulty,theconsentofhiswifetoenablehimto assumebeforehediedthemonasticdressforwhich hehadlongsighed.Butthoughhethusbelieved himselftohavebecomea monkindeed,this descendantofScandinaviangodsandheroes, withtheheartofakingunderhismonasticrobe, feared,accordingtoBede,that,dyinginhisbed, hemightseemtobeovercomebysuffering.3In theanguishofhislastillness,hetrembledlestj whilestrugglingagainsttheterrorsofdeath,pain mighttearfromhimcriesorgesturesunworthy 1 Lappenberg,p.114. a Seevol.iv.p.110. 3 '' Vitamprivatametmonachicamcunctisregnidivitiisethonoribus prseferens,quametolimjam,sinonobstinatusconjugisanimus'divor- tiumnegaret,subiisset.. . . Cumqueannostrigintainregnomiles regniccelestisexegisset. . . habitumreligionis,quemdindesiderabat, accepit.. . . Correptusinfirmitatemaxima,timereccepithomoanimi regalis,neadmortemveniens,tantoaffectusdolore,aliquidindignum susepersonseveloreproferretvelaliorummotugereretmembrorum."— Bede,iv.11. THEEOYALMONKS. 109 tatorofhim.ofhisForlastthismomentsreasonheexceptwouldthehaveBishopnospeoof

London.Thisprelate,whohadinvestedhim withthemonk'sblackrobe,hadtheconsolation ofseeinghimgiveuphislastsighinperfect peace,andburiedhiminhisownmonasticcathedral ofStPaul,where,forathousandyears,untilthe timeofthegreatfirewhichconsumedthatfamous1666. edificeunderCharlesII.,wastobeseentheim mensestonecoffinwhichcontainedthebodyofthe monk-king,whoseframemusthavebeenasgigan ticashisheartwasmanful.1 FifteenyearsafterthedeathofSebbi,hissue-o«a,King .. .. ofEssex. cessorandgrandnephew,KingOffa,imitatedhis709. examplewhilestillinthefulnessofyouthandall delights.Thoughamanbelovedandsoughtafter byall,hegaveuphisbetrothedbride,hisfamily, country,andcrown,and,resistingthepassionate remonstrancesofhissubjects,wentawaytoembrace monasticlife,noteveninanEnglishcloister,but atRome.TheyoungOffawasaccompaniedinhiscoenred, pilgrimageandsacrificebyCoenred,theKingoftheMercia. Mercians,detachedonhissidefromtheworldbywit nessingthelastmomentsofoneofhisbestknights,2

1 NotebySmithinhiseditionofBede."ThisisthefirstexampleI knowofthedevoutideasogeneral,inlaterages,ofdyinginthedressof amonk."—Fleury,1.xi.c.3. 2 "Virinlaicohabituatqueofficiomilitaripositus."—Bede,v.13. WilliamofMalmesburycallshim"miles."—Gent.Reg.Angl.,1.i.c. 78. Turnerprovesthattheorderofknighthoodexistedamongthe Anglo-SaxonslongbeforetheNormanconquest.—Hist,ofAnglo-Saxons, bookviii.c.12. 110 THEROYALMONKS.

whodiedindespairfromhavingvoluntarilykept backfromconfession.1BeforeleavingEngland, theywerebothpresentatthelastactofthegreat Wilfrid'sapostoliclife—thededicationofthenew MonasteryofEvesham,whichtheyhadendowed andfreedfromalltemporaljurisdiction.2When theyarrivedatRome,boththesekingsreceived thetonsureandcowlfromthehandsofPopeCon- stantinus,beforetheConfessionofStPeter,and, aftersomeyearsofpenitentlife,theypassedfrom thetomboftheapostlestocelestialblessedness,to enjoythesocietyofthesaintsforever.3 Merciabe- SincethedeathofthelastNorthumbrianBret- mostim- walda,Oswy,andespeciallysincetheoverthrowof portant nationo£hissonEgfridinhisstrugglewiththePicts,Mercia 670685 fromac<3.uire

likedescendantsoftheterriblePenda,andthanks tothemilitaryspiritwhichinspireditspeopleand race,swayedtheAnglo-SaxonHeptarchyfornearly a century.Coenred,whodieda monkatRome

1 ThevisionofthisknightmaybereadinBede,I.c. Twoother passagesinBede(iii.22andv.10)seemtoprovethatinhistimethe word"miles"wasappliednotonlytoallfightingmen,buttonoblesor patricians. 2 Seevol.iv.p.351. 3 "CoinredquiregnoMerciorumnobilissimetemporealiquautoprse- fuit,nobiliusmultosceptraregnireliquit. . . monachusfactusadli- minaApostolorum,inprecibus,jejuniis,eteleemosynis,usqueaddiem permansitultimum.. . . Offajuvenisamantissimsesetatisetvenustatis, totsequesusegentiadtenendaservandaqueregnisceptraexoptatissimus . . . reliquituxorem,agros,cognatosetpatriam,attonsusetinraonach- icovitamhabitucomplens,advisonembeatorumapostoloruminccelis diudesideratampervenit."—BedA,HistEccles.,v.19. THEROYALMONKS. Ill afterwasthemonasticchampiononlyPenda'shavingrecruitorder.1ofgrandsonfoughtoldwhichHisPaganismvaliantly;owntheandfamilyson,washeagainstandwastooffarfurnishsecondthethefromdauntlessBritons,succes-tobeingtheEthelred,

sor,Ethelred,thepredecessorofCoenredupontheMercia,be comesa throneofMercia,touchedbydivinegrace,aftera™^** longandwarlikereign,enteredasasimplemonkinto<04-716- theMonasteryofBardeneywhichhehadfounded, andruleditfortenyearsasabbotbeforehediedthe deathofasaint.2ThisistheEthelredwithwhomwe havealreadymadeacquaintance,firstastheenemy andthenasthedevotedfriendofWilfrid,3whose causehesustainedwithalltheauthorityconferred onhimbyhisdoublerankasmonkandmonarch. Thesetwokings,however,whoweresoentirelyExcessesof devotedtotheBenedictineinstitutionastoenrollCeolred. 709771 themselvesinittilltheendoftheirworthyexist-

1 SeeintheAppendixthetableofhismonasticdescendants.The lineofMerciankingsafterPendaisasfollows:— 626-655.Penda. 656-675.Wulphere,sonofPenda. 675-704.Ethelred,brotherofWulphere. 704-709.Coenred,sonofWulphere. 709-716.Coelred,sonofEthelred. 716-757.Ethelbald,calledClilo,grandsonofabrotherofPenda. 757-797.Offa,great-grandsonofthesame. ItiswellknownthatamongtheMerovingiansitwasoftentheeldest ormostpopularprinceofthereigningdynastywhosucceededtothe crowntotheinjuryofthedirectheir,whomightregainhisrightsata laterperiodifhelivedlongenoughtoseethequestionofthesuccession oncemoreopened. 2 '' Omnipotentisbenignitatevisitatusfitmonachus."—Henric. Hr/nTINgD.,Htit.,1.iv.p.337. 3 Seevol.iv.p.332. 112 THEROYALMONKS.

ence,weresucceededonthethroneofMerciabya princeofaverydifferentstamp.Ceolred,likethe youngNorthumbriankingofwhomwerecently spoke,didnotcontenthimselfwithdespisingthe rightsandlibertiesguaranteedtothemonasteries bythechartersofhispredecessors; hetookfrom themtheyoungandbeautifulvirginsthereconse cratedtotheLord,forthegratificationofhisown passions.Hediedinoneofhisorgiesamonghis earls,notonlyunrepentant,butcallinguponthe devil,andcursingtheChristianpriestswiththeir Gospel.1Itwasperhapsthelastoutbreakofcon queredheathenism: notcertainlythatheathen moralsandlustswereforeverextirpatedfromthe bosomofthesewildraces,butsincethattimetheir ascendancyhasneverbeensogreatastoleadan Anglo-Saxonprincetothepointofmakingapub licdenialoftheGospel. Ethelbald,Thecuto Afterthis. worthyJ °grandsonofthesavage° Penda, pursuedbytheMercianthronefelltoacollateralscionofthe Ceolred, race,Ethelbald,knownunderthenameofClitoor Childe,whichwasthenusedamongtheAnglo- Saxons,asthatofInfantoinSpainata later period,todesignatetheprincesofthereigning dynasty.Ethelbald,whowassavagelypursued 1 "Instuprationeetadulteriononnarumcommorans. . . namCeol- redumprsedecessoremtuumstupratoremsanctimonialiumetecelesiasti- corumprivilegiornmfractoremsplendidecumsuiscomitibusepnlantem spiritusmalignusinvasit. . . sinepcenitentiaetconfessione,furibundus etcumdiabolosermoeinans,etsacerdotesDeiabominans...adtor- mentainfernimigravit."—S.BonifaciiEpiit.adEthelbaldumRegem Mercionum,n.62,ed.Giles; 17,ed.Serrar. THEROYALMONKS. 113 byCeolred,hadastormyandhardyouth.He wasnothimselfa monk,buthishistoryiscon nectedwiththatofoneofthemostholyandpopu larmonksoftheeighthcentury.1InthecourseTakesre- ofhiswanderingsfromprovincetoprovinceandthesoii- fromstrongholdtostronghold,whileflyingwithGuthlac, somedevotedcompanionsfromthepersecutionof hispitilessenemy,helearnedthatayoungand warlikechiefcalledGuthlac,sprung,likehimself, fromtheroyalraceofMercia,hadretiredfromthe worldtoconsecratehimselftostudyandprayer, inanislandsurroundedbythemarsheswhichthen coveredagreatdistrictonthebordersofMercia andEastAnglia.Ethelbaldputhimselfunderthe guidanceofa neighbouringabbot,whoknewthe countrysufficientlytofindhiswaythroughtheblack andstagnantwatersandmuddysoiloftheseinac cessiblemarshes,andthetworeachedCroylandina fisher'sboat.Inthiswateryretreatabodethegood andpiousGuthlac,andtherethefugitivefounda hospitablewelcomeandasafeshelter.Hedidnot continuelongthere: whenresthadgivenhimre newed1 Thelearnedconfidence,andaccurateheleftPhilippetheJafTS,refugethelastineditorwhichoftheCeol-Epis tlesofStBoniface,believesKingEthelbaldtohavebeeninhisyoutha pupilofStAldhelm.Heattributestohimtheletteraddressedtothat holyabbot,whichispublishedwiththoseofStBoniface(ed.Jaffe,No. 5)andthoseofAldhelm(ed.Giles,p.100).Buttheletteritselfseems toprovethatitistheworkofayoungecclesiastic,andnotofaprince unacquainted,asEthelbaldmusthavebeen,withthelifeofthecloister. ItwasveryprobablythesamestudenttowhomAldhelmaddressedthe answer,afragmentofwhichwehavequotedaboveatpage34ofthis volume. VOL.V. H 114 THEROYALMONKS.

redneithercouldnordaredreachhim,toresumehis lifeofadventure.Butnewdangersledhimagain andagaintoCroyland,whereGuthlacalwaysre ceivedhimwiththesameaffection,andlavished uponhim,intheirlongandfrequentconversations, thespiritualconsolationsandvariedinstruction whichheneeded.Hehada cellbesidethatof Guthlac,hissolefriendandconsoler.1Oneday,re turningfromoneofhisdangerousjourneys,during whichhehadfoundhimselfseparatedfromallhis followers,closelysurroundedbyenemies,andatthe endofhisstrengthandresources,hearrivedex haustedanddesperate,andthrewhimselfintothe armsofhisprotectorandfriend."Dearchild,"said Guthlac,"I knowallyourtroublesandmisfor tunes; Ihavefollowedyourlaboriouscareerfrom itsbeginning; forthisreasonIhaveprayedGod whodietspre-thatmuchforyou,J and. hehasgranted& myprayer., „ I heKingwillofbeannouncetoJyouinHisnamethatyouJ shallone Mercu.dayreignoveryournativecountry.Youshallsee thedefeatofyourenemies; youshallovercome themswordinhand; youshalltramplethemunder yourfeet,andbecomethemasterofalltheirposses sions.Learnonlytowait: thekingdomwillcome toyou,notbyrapineandviolence,butfromthe handofGod,whenthathandshallhavedemolished thewickedmanwhonowreigns,andwhoshallpass away1 "Inlikequadamashadow."casula. . . 2GuthlaciFromquithatsolusrefugiummomentetconsolatioEthel-

laborumipsiuserat."—VilaS.Guild.,c.39. 2 "EstinmediterraneorumAnglorumpartibusimmenssemagmtudi THEROYALMONKS. 115 baldplacedhishopeinGodalone,andwaitedwith trustandpatience.Theprophecywasaccom plishedtwoyearsafter:Ceolredperishedinhis orgies,1andtheChildewasimmediatelyrecognised asThekinghermitbyallthewhoMercians.withsomuchconfidencepro-outhiac;

hislifeas phesiedtothefutureKingofMercia,sprangt°^*j himselffromthedynastywhichreignedoverthel^6™14, greaterpartoftheHeptarchy.2Hisyouthhad beenspentinfightandpillage,likethatofallthe princesandlordsofhistime.Excitedbythe recollectionoftheexploitsofhisancestors,he dreamedonlyofbattlesanddevastation,andat theheadofanumerousbandoffriendsandde pendantshevanquishedhisenemies,sackedmany townsandcastles,andcollectedimmensebooty. Buthiscompanionsobservedwithsurprisethathe hadsomuchpityleftastorestoretothosewhom

nissacerrimapalus,nuncstagnis,nuncflactris,interdumnigrisvapori- busetlaticibus,necnoncrebrisinsularumnemoribusintervenientibus,et flexuosisrivigarumanfractibus. . . protenditur.. . . Arreptapiscatoria scaphula.. . . Cumhueillucque...indiversisnationibusjactaretur . . . usqueadprsefataminsulampervenit.. . . Aliodie,deficientevirium ipsiusvalitudine,suorumqueinterdubiapericula,postquaminanitaevires defecere,tandemadcolloquiumsanctiviriGuthlaci,utassolebat,per venit....0mipuer,laborumtuorumnonsumexpers,miseriarum tuarumabexordiovibenonsuminscius. . . misertuscalamitatistuse rogaviDominumutsubvenirettibi.. . . Tribuettibidominationem gentistuse.. . . Tergaeorumvidebisetgladiustuusvincetadversarios tuos."—VitaS.Guthlaei,auctoreFelicemonachoejuscequali,ap.Acta SS.O.B.B.,ssec.iii.pars1,adann.714. 1 Seeabove,p.112. 2 "Hujusviriprogenies,pernobilissimaillustriumregumnomina, antiquaaborigineIclesdigestoordineencurrit."—Vita,e.4. ThisIcles wasthefifthancestoroftheterriblePenda. 116 THEROYALMONKS. herobbedathirdpartoftheirgoods.Heledthis banditlife,whichwassupposedamonghiscountry mentobeheroic,fromtheageoffifteentothatof twenty-four.Butonenight,whilehecampedwith allhisfollowersinaforest,hisimaginationsuddenly presentedbeforehimthecrimes,excesses,and miserableendofthekingsofhisrace,thenhisown inevitableandperhapsapproachingdeath,andthe nothingnessofthewealthandfamewhichhehad sought.Hefelthimselfasifburntupbyanin ternalflame—theflameofcelestialdesires.His decisionwasmadeonthespot.Assoonasthe firstsongofthebirdsannouncedthedawnhe awokehiscomrades,andtoldthemtochoosean otherchief,ashehadjustdevotedhimself,forhis ownpart,totheserviceofJesusChrist.Then,in spiteoftheirremonstrances,cries,andlamenta tions,heinstantlysetout,carryingwithhimonly a broadandshortsword,suchaswaswornby labourers.1Doubtlessthiswastodefendhimself duringthelongandsolitaryjourneywhichhehad beforehim,forhewentalone,andfarfromhisna tivedistrictandhisfriends,toknockatthedoor

1 "Cumjuveniliinpectoreegregiusdominandiamorfervesceret, validapriscorumheroumfactareminiscens.. . . Cumadversantiumsibi urbesetvillas,vicosetcastellaigneferroquevastaret. . . tertiampar temagregataegazsepossidentibusremittebat.. . . Posttotprsedas,csedes, rapinas. . . lassiquieverunt.. . . Quadamnocte. . . extemplospirit- ualisflammaomniaprseeordiaviriincendereccepit.. . . Antiqnorum regumstirpissusepertransactasseculamiserabilesexitusetflagitiosum vitseterminumcontemplans. . . eecesubito. . . cumsoldemoverat ortnm,inquomatutinsevolucresavidoforcipepipant."—Vita,c.10,11. THEROYALMONKS. 117 ofoneofthosedoublemonasteries,governedby- abbesses,severalofwhichalreadyexistedinEng land,andwherethehumilityofthemonkwasso muchthemoretriedthathewassubjecttoa womanassuperior.1Hethereassumedthemon astichabit,havinghislonghaircut,accordingtothe formoftheRoman,nottheCeltic,tonsure,ashisbio graphertakespainstotellus.Therehepassedtwo years,dedicatedtothestudyoftheHolyScriptures,697-69. ofcenobiticcustoms,andofliturgicalmusic.2At twenty-sixhissoulwasilluminatedbyanewlight whilereadingthelifeoftheFathersinthedesert; hedeterminedtoplungeintoadeeperandmore austeresolitude,anditwasthenthathebetook himselftothemarshyforestsofCroyland.He foundthereanancienttumulus,alreadyexcavated bythegreedoftheneighbouringpopulation,who expectedtofindtreasurethere.Theyhaddugit intoasortofpit.ThefierceyoungMercianprince fitteditwithapenthouseofstraw,madeithis home,andthereendedhislife. Therearevariousfeaturesinthislifewhichare tobefoundinthoseofthemostillustrioussaints ofthemonasticorder.LikeStBenedict,Guthlac

1 AtRipadun,orRepton,situatedontheTrent.Thenameofthe abbesswasElfrida.Thisabbey,wherethekingsofMerciawereburied, wasdestroyedbytheDanes,andreplacedundertheNormansbyapriory ofregularcanons. 2 "MysticamS.Petriapostolorumprincipistonsuramaccepit.. . . Sacrislitterisetmonasticisdiscipliniserudiebatur. . . psalmis,canticis, orationibusprecibusqueecclesiasticisperbienniumimbutus."—Vita, c.13. 118 THEROYALMONKS. excitedbyhisausteritiestheill-willofhisbrethren. WithtrueAnglo-Saxonspirit,theyreproached himspeciallyforhisunalterableresolutionnever todrinkeitherbeerorhydromel,norwine,except inthecommunion.1LikeSt. Columba,hissoli tudewascontinuallydisturbedbycrowdsofthe faithfulattractedbytheincreasingfameofhis holiness,andwhosurmountedalltheobstacles whichNaturehadheapedaroundhisislandretreat toseekbight,consolation,andthehealingoftheir infirmities; hewassoughtbyallconditionsofmen fromallquarters,abbotsandearls,richandpoor, monksandlaymen; andthesenotonlyfromall partsofMercia,butfromthemostdistantcorners ofEngland.2 LiketheFathersofthedesert,hewasexposed toa thousandtemptations,athousanddiabolical visions,themostcuriousofwhich,inahistorical pointofview,isthatwhichmakesitapparentthat theCambrianorBritishmarauderswerenotafraid ofcrossingthewholebreadthoftheislandtodis turbtheirconquerorseveninBastAnglia.Itis toldthatGuthlacwasmuchcomfortedbydiscover ingthattheenemiesbywhomhehadfelthiscell tobesurroundedandthreatenedallthenight 1 "Nonulliusinebriantisliquorisautalicujuslibaminishanstum.. . . Hacexcausaomnibusfratribusilliccohabitantibusasperoodiohabeba- tur."—Vita,c.12. 2 "Interdensasarundinumcompages. . . abbates,fratres,comites, divites,vexati,pauperes. . . confluebant.. . . Locaspinosasinecalle agrestiruragradiendo,inrnit(quidamcomesexsulisEthelbaldi)inspinu- lamsubincultaetellurisherbislatentem."—Vita,c.24,31. THEKOYALMONKS. 119 through,weredemonsandnotWelsh,ashehad supposedthemtobebytheirhoarsevoicesand gutturalaccents.1 LikemanyholymonksofCelticcountriesandof MerovingianGaul,helivedinacloseandtouching familiaritywithalllivingcreatures,andespecially withthebirdswhoinhabitedthetreesandgreat reedsofhisisland.Thecrowsservedhimwith docilityasmessengers,theswallowscametwit teringtoseatthemselvesonhisshouldersorknees, onhisheadorbreast; andhe,onhisside,built themnestswithhisownhands,littlebasketsmade ofrushesandbitsofstraw,whichheplacedunder thethatchofhiscell,andtowhichhisgentleguests returnedyearly,seekingtheiraccustomeddwelling- places."Myfather,"saidanastonishedvisitor, "howhaveyoumanagedtogivethosedaughtersof solitudesomuchtrustinyouV "Knowyounot," answeredGuthlac,"thathewhoisunitedtoGod inpurityofheart,seesinhisturnallcreatedthings unitethemselvestohim1 Thebirdsofheaven,like ' theangels,seekthosewhodonotseekthesociety ofmen."2 1 "CumBritones,infestihostesSaxonicigeneris,bellis,prsedispubli- cisquevastationibusAnglorumgentemdeturbarent.. . . Quadamnocte . . . extracellulamegressus,eterectisauribusadstansverbaloquentis vulgiBritannicaqueagminatectissuccedereagnoscit: namille. . . inter illosexsulabat,quoadusqueeorumstridulentasloquelasintelligerevaluit." —Vita,c.20. 2 "Velutmagnalsetitiaavinoforcipeflexuosigutturiscarmenca- nentes,velutiadassuetassedes. . . sesehumerisviriDeiimposuerunt, acdeindecantulisvocibusgarrulentes.. . . Utquidincultsesolitudinis volucres.. . . NonnelegistiquiaquiDeopurospiritucopulabitur,omnia 120 THEROYALMONKS.

LikeStRomuald,heinspiredthesurrounding populationwithsomuchreverenceforhim,that speculationsbegantobemadeduringhislifeon thepriceofhisrelics; themonkwhocametohim everytwentydaystorenewhistonsurethought seriouslyofusinghisrazortocuthisthroat,with theconvictionthattheplaceinwhichsogreata saintperishedwouldbeenrichedbytheveneration ofkingsandprinces.1 Andfinally,likeStCuthbert,hehadafriend,a nobleandpiousabbess,daughteroftheKingof theEastAnglians,whoofferedtohim,intestimony oftheirmutualaffection,a leadencoffinanda shroud.2Heacceptedthesepresents; andalthough hehadvowedtowearneitherwoollennorlinen, buttodresshimselfentirelyintheskinsofbeasts, heconsented,fortheloveofEdburga,thathisbody shouldbeburiedinthelinenwhichshehadwoven Hisdeath,forhim.3Hediedafteraweekofseveresuffering, HthApril . . ° 714- buthavingstillstrengthenoughtoriseandsay massonthedayofhisdeath,andafterwardsto sibiinDeoconjnnguntur,etquiabhominibuscognoscidenegat,agnosci aferisetfrequentariabangelisquserit?"—Viia,c.25. 1 "Quidamclericus,nomineBeccelinus.. . . Cum,utadsolebat,post bisdenosdierumcursustonderaredevenisset. . . proponensutsiipsum interimerepotuisset,locumipsiusposteacummagnaregumprincipum- quevenerantiahabiturusforet."—Ibid.,c.21. 2 Seevol.iv.p.415. 3 "ReverentissimavirgovirginnmChristietsponsarumEgbnrgaab- batissa,Aldulfiregisfilia.. . . Noluiquidemjuvenisullolineotegmine corpusmeumtegere,sedproamoredilectseChristivirginis,qusehaec muneramihimittebat."—Ibid., c.33,35. EgburgaorEdburgathen governedthesameMonasteryofReptonfromwhichGuthlachadissued toshuthimselfupinCroyland. THEROYALMONKS. 121 taketheholyviaticumhimselffromthealtar.He wasstillyoung; andduringthefifteenyearswhich hehadpassedinthesemarshes,hadyetretained, inthemidstofhisausteresolitude,thatgrave kindnessandlight-heartednesswhicharethein alienableinheritanceoftruemonksandsaints.1 Onreceivingnewsofthedeathofhisfriend, Ethelbaldhastenedtothebodyofhimwhosolong protectedhismisfortuneandconsoledhismisery. Hethrewhimself,bathedintears,onhiskneesbe forethecoffin."Myfather,"hecried,"thouwho hastknownallmysufferings,andwhohastsustained meinalldangers,aslongasthoulivedstI could neverdespair.Thankstothee,Iknowhowtocall upontheLord,whohassavedmeuptothisday. Butifthouforsakestme,towhomcanI havere course1 whowillhelp,whowillcomfortmeV Thefollowingnight,inthemidstofhistears andprayers,Guthlacappearedtohim,resplendent withlight,toconfirmhisancientprediction,andto announcetheendofhistrials.2 Andinfact,twoyearsafter,Ethelbaldsuc ceededtothethroneofMercia,whichheoccupied 1 "Utadsolebathilarivultusecessit; namsempergratiaeximisechari- tatisinoreipsiusetvultufulgebat."—Vita,c.26. 2 "Patermi,tuscismiseriasmeas,tusemperadjutormeifuisti,te viventenondesperabaminangustiis.. . . Hsecproloquens,sesoloster- nebat,etsupplexoranscrebrislacrymarumfluentistotumvultumriga- vit. . . Totamcellulamimmensiluminissplendorecircumfulgeseere vidit.. . . Nolitristari,diesenimmiserisetuseprseterierunt.. . . Nec illumfidesfefellit: exilloenimtemporeusqueinhodiernumdieminfu- lataregniipsiusfelicitaspertemporaconsequentiadedieindiemcresce- bat."—Ibid.,c.39. 122 THEROYALMONKS. forfortyyears.Thefirstusewhichhemadeof hispowerwastofoundamonasteryatCroyland, inhonourofhimwhomhecontinuedtocallhis friendandconsoler.Notwithstandingthedifficul tiesinvolvedinsuchabuilding,animmenseabbey, richlyendowed,andinhabitedbyacolonyofmonks broughtfromthenewAbbeyofEvesham,1roseupon thesiteofhiscell.Ethelbaldbuiltitinthemidst ofthesestagnantwaters,uponpilesdrivenintoa littleheapofearthwhichwasbroughtfromadis tanceinboats,tosolidifythemarshwhichthein dustryofthemonkswassoontorenderwholesome, andtransformintofertilemeadows.Croylandwas speciallydistinguishedfortheknowledgeofits monks,andoccupiedforseveralcenturiesthefirst rankamongEnglishmonasteries.Thecoffinof Guthlac,takenfromtheearthinwhichitwasto havebeenburied,bythetendernessofEthelbald, andrichlydecorated,formedtheprincipalornament ofthegreatchurch,builtinstone,whichreplaced themodestwoodenoratorywhereEthelbaldand Guthlachadprayedtogether.Thischurch,often destroyed,wasalwaysrebuiltwithincreasedmag nificence; anditsgreatbell,knownasthelargest andmostharmoniousinEngland,retainedtoits lastdaythenameandrecollectionofthehermit whomitsroyalfounderhadsomuchloved.2 1 Seeinvol.iv.p.351,thefoundationofthisabbeybyBishopEgwin, anditsconsecrationbyWilfrid. 2 '' Sarcophagumnonhumoterrsecondidit,immoinmemorialequod nuncabEthelbaldoregemirisornamentorumstructuris. . . sedificatum THEROYALMONKS. 123

ItwouldbepleasanttobelievethatEthelbaldcontinua tionand showedhimselfalwaysworthyofthetendersym-endofthe . . reignof pathywithwhichhisholyfriendhadhonouredEthelbald r J J mMercia. himinhisyouth.Butthisconfidenceisscarcely possibleinpresenceofthefamousandeloquent letteraddressedtohimbysixEnglishbishops,who wereoccupiedduringhiswholereignintheworkof evangelisingGermany,andwhohadattheirhead thegreatBoniface.TheholyapostleoftheGermans wentfromEnglandtotheContinentthesameyear inwhichEthelbaldbecameking,andtwoyearsbe foretheendofhisreignhediedthedeathofamar-716-755. tyr.Theletterofthebishopsinformsusthatthe privateconductofthekingawakenedareligious andpatrioticsorrowinthosenoblemissionariesof Anglo-Saxonfaithandglory.Theyaccusehim, accordingtopublicreport,ofhavingsoughtin celibacy,notChristianmortification,butthesatis factionofhissensualinstincts,andintheeffer vescenceofhispassionsofrespectingneitherthe domestichearthsofhisfellow-citizens,noreven thesanctuariesofvirginsconsecratedtoGod.1 conspicimus.. . . Quiapalustrishumuslapideammolemsustinerenon poterat,ingentesexquercispalosinnumersemultitudinishumoinfigi fecit,duramqueterram. . . scaphisdeferrietpaludibuscommisceri. . . adhonoremDeietsanctianachoretsequemvaldedilexerat,produlcicon- solationequameodumexsulabatmultotiesperceperat."—Vita,c.37,41. SomeremainsoftheabbeychurchofCroylandstillexist,butthese areofthechurchbuiltinthetwelfthorfourteenthcentury.Inthe tympanumoftheportal,inthewesternfront,fivemedallionsinbas- reliefrepresenttheprincipalincidentsinthelifeofGuthlac—hisarrival inthemarshofCroylandinaboat,hisfirstinterviewwithEthelbald, his1 death,"Quando&c.aliquainjuriadestaturegnivestri,veleventubellorum 124 THEROYALMONKS.

Theyremindhiminthisrespectofthehonour paidtochastitybytheirheathenancestors,the SaxonsofGermany,andthecruelpenaltieswhich wereexactedforadultery.Theyentreathimnot todishonourhisoldage,nottoencouragethe Englishnationbyhisexampletodescendbyde baucherytothelevelofthedegeneratenationsof SpainandthesouthofEurope,ofwhomtheSaxons hadalreadymadeaprey.Theyreproachhimbe sideswithhavingviolatedthechartersandstolen thepossessionsofseveralmonasteries,andwith authorisingtheMercianlords,byhisexample,to subjectthemonksandprieststoviolenceandser vitude,tillthenunknowninChristianEngland.1 Ontheotherhand,thesewitnessesofimposing authoritycongratulatehimhighlyonhischarityto thepoor,aswellasonhiszealfortheadministra tionofjustice,theprotectionoftheweak,andthe repressionoflocalquarrelsanddisorders. Othertestimonyinformsusthathewasajust, generous,andbraveking; that,byhisfrequent andfortunatewars,thefriendofGuthlacraised Merciatoa degreeofpowerwhichithadnever facta,autquodmajusest,desaluteanimsepericulosumdamnumperpe- tratumperauditumusqueadnospervenerit,mceroreettristitiacrucia- mur.. . . Quinobisnarrant,adjiciuntquodhocscelusmaximecum sanctimonialibusetsacratisDeovirginibuspermonasteriacommissum sit.AudivimusprsetereaquodoptimatespseneomnisgentisMerciorum tuoexemplolegitimasuxoresdeserant,etadulterasetsanctimoniales constuprent."—S.BonifaciiEpistolce,59,ed.Jaffe. 1 "Etdiciturquodprsefectietcomitestuimajoremviolentiametser- vitutemmonachisetsacerdotibusirrogent,quamcseterianteChristiani regesfecissent."—Ibid. THEROYALMONKS. 125 beforereached,andthathewasregardedasthe suprememonarchofEnglanduptothedayon which,aftera longandprosperousreign,hefell fightingagainsttheWestSaxons,ina struggle, thepicturesqueandimpassionednarrativeofwhich hasbeenenshrinedbypopularpoetryamidthe historicThekingdomannalsofofthetheperiod.1WestSaxons,whichwastoThreekings

. joftheWest inheritthepoweroftheMercians,asthelatterhadSaxonsat>- 1 dicateto inheritedthatoftheNorthumbrians,wasdestinedbecome 7 monksor toabsorballthekingdomsoftheHeptarchy,and^™sto thustocreatethatEnglishunitywhichnodis membermenthaseverbrokenup.Thedynastyof thesonsofCerdic,reputedbytraditiontobehim selftheninthindescentfromthegodOdin,wasto produceEgbertandthegreatAlfred.Itprefaced thesegenerouslivesbygivingthreekings,one afteranother,tothemonasticorder,whichalready owedtoittheholyandlearnedAbbotAldhelm. Hewhoopenedthemarchinacareerwhichwasso noveltothesonsofOdin,wasCentwin,sonoftheCentwin. firstChristianKingofWessex,2who,aftera bril liantandwarlikereignofnineyears,interspersed withbattlesbetweentheMerciansandBritons, determinedtoendhisdaysinoneofthemonas-

1 HenriousHuntiNgdon,HistoriaAnglorum,1. iv.p.341.The friendofGuthlacdescribeshimselfina charterof736,"Rexnon solumMerciorumsedetomniumprovinciarumqusegeneralinomineSut- Anglidicuntur;"andelsewhere,"EexBritannUe." 2 Cynegils,convertedandpresentedforbaptismbyhisson-in-law, OswaldofNorthumbria.Seeabove,vol.iv.p.99. 126 THEROYALMONKS. ceadwaiia.terieswhichhehadfoundedandendowed.1After 685-689. himitwastheturnofCeadwalla,theferociousde vastatoroftheIsleofWight,andthekingdomsof KentandSussex,whoremainedobstinatelyheathen, notwithstandingtheconversionofhisneighbours andhiscountry,butwho,allatonce,attheageof thirty,recallingtohismemorytheinstructions whichhehadreceivedwhenhimselfinexilefrom thegreatexileWilfrid,2abdicatedhiscrown, crossedthesea,theAlps,andLombardy,andap pearedatRome,thefirstoftheAnglo-Saxonkings, asWilfrid,thirtyyearsbefore,hadbeenthefirst monasticpilgrimofthesameracewhohadvisited 20thApnitheEternalCity.HeaskedbaptismfromPope Sergius,whoconferreduponhimthenameofPeter, inmemoryofthegreatdevotionwhichhadbrought himfromsogreatadistancetothetombofthe princeoftheapostles.Tendayslater,beforehe hadevenlaidasidethewhiterobeofthecatechu mens,hedied.ThePopegaveordersthathe

1 Hishistoryisscarcelyknowntous,exceptthroughtheversesof AldhelmaddressedtohisdaughterBugga,whoisperhapsthesameas theabbessofthatnametowhomBonifaceaddressedseveralofhis epistles:— "HoctemplumBuggepulchromoliminestructum, NobiliserexitCentwinifiliaregis, QuipriusimperiumSaxonumriteregelmt, Doneeprasentiscontemnensculminaregni, Divitiasmundirerumquereliquithabenas; Plurimabasilicisimpendensruranovellis Qusenuncchristicolseservantmonasticajura.. . . Exinsacratamperrexitqucererevitam, DumpropriumiinquitChristipronomineregnum.. . . Doneeconversuscellammigravitinaltnam." —Ed.Giles,p.117. • Seeabove,vol.iv.p.285. THEROYALMONKS. 127 shouldbeburiedinStPeter's,andinscribeduponhis tombanepitaphintolerableverse,intendedtostir upthezealoffuturegenerationsbytheexample oftheyoungandformidablevictor,whohadgiven upeverythingthatheandhisfatherhadconquered orhoardedup,andabjuredhisbarbarousreligion tobecomethehumblegodsonofStPeter,andwho hadgoneclothedwiththewhitenessofbaptismto increaseinheaventheflockofChrist.1 ThecrownoftheWestSaxonspassedafterhimfaa,King toIna,thefriendofStAldhelm,asCeadwallahad688-725,ex'

beenthefriendofWilfrid.Hislongandprosper ousreignlaidthefoundationsofthefutureascend ancyofhisraceoverallEngland.Thoughvery warlikeandveryfortunateinwar,theconqueror oftheSouthernandEasternSaxons,heoweshis famespeciallytothecodeoflawswhichhegaveLegislator, tohispeople,andwhichhasbeenpreservedinits integrity,likethelawsgivenacenturybeforeby EthelbertofKent,withthehelpoftheRoman 1 "Culmen,opes,sobolem,pollentiaregna,tiiumphos, Exuvias,proceres,mcenia,castra,lares: Qusequepatrumvirtus,etqusecongesseratipse, Csedivalarmipotens,HquitamoreDei, UtPetrumsedemquePetrirexceruerethospes.. . . Barbaricamrabiem,nomenetindesuum Conversusconvertitovans.. . . UrbemRomuleamvidit,templumqueverendum Aspexit,Petrimystic.adonagerens. CandidusinterovesChristisoeiabilisibit: Corporenamtumulum,mentesupernatenet: Commutassemagissceptroruminsigniacredas, QuemregnumChristipromeruissevides." —ApudBede,v.7. 128 THEROYALMONKS.

missionaries.1Inadrewouthisundertheinspira tion,andwiththeaid,ofthetwomonk-bishopsof WinchesterandofLondon,2ofhisearls,andallthe wisemen(witan)whocomposedtheparliamentof histhreekingdoms,andbesides,accordingtohis owndeclaration,withthehelpofmanymonksor servantsofGod,inordertoprovideforthesal vationofsoulsandtheprosperityofhispeople. Amongtheselawsmayberemarkedsomewhich guaranteetheinviolabilityofmarriage,andthe sanctityofbetrothal; consecratetherightofasy luminchurches; improvetheconditionofthe peasants,whilemaintainingtheirfeudalthraldom tothesoiloftheirlords; provideforthesupport oftheirwidowsandorphans; forbidtheexporta tionofslaves,anddeclarefreeofallbondagethe slavewhoshouldbecompelledbyhismasterto workonSunday.3 Victor,and Hepursuedwithenergythestrugglewiththe pacificatorgr^onsQfwalegjan(jfinallysucceededinincor- Britons, ...... poratingintohiskingdomthoseofCornwall,

1 DoomsofIna,ap.Thorpe,AncientLawsandInstitutesofEngland, p.45. 2 Hedda,thefriendandpredecessorofAldhelmandEreonwald. 3 "EgoIneDeigratiaWest-Saxonumrex,exhortationeetdoctrina. . . . Heddseepiscopimei. . . etomniumAldermannorummeorumet seniorumetsapientumregnimei,multaqueeongregationeservorumDei, sollicitusdesaluteanimarumnostrarumetdestaturegnimei,constitui rectumconjugiumetjustajudiciaprostabilitateetconfirmationepopuli meibenignasedulitatecelebrari....Siservusopereturdominicadie perprseceptumdominisui,sitliber: siliberopereturilladiesinejussu dominisui,perdatlibertatemsuam."—LatintextintheChronicleof JohnofBrompton,ap.Twysden,Seript.Ang.,i.761. THEROYALMONKS. 129

dethroningthekingofthatprovince,towhom Aldhelmhadaddressedhisfamousletteruponthe CelticEaster.1ButIna,whowashimselfbornof aCelticmother,consultingatoncethepreceptsof Christianmoralityandthewell-understoodinte restsofhisnation,completedthepacificationof theconqueredpopulationbyguaranteeingthevali dityofmarriagescontractedbetweenSaxonsand Britons,andenteredintorelationswiththeCelts ofArmorica.2Herebuiltandendowedmagnifi centlythenationalsanctuaryoftheBritonsat Glastonbury,3consecratingtothisworkofconcilia tionthethirtythousandpoundsofsilverwhichhe hadtorn,swordinhand,fromtheJutesofKent,on accountofwere,orcompensationforthelifeofa WestSaxonprincewhomtheyhadburnedalive.4He thustestifiedthevenerationoftheSaxonconquer orsforthecelebratedmonasterywhich,afterhav ingbeenthecradleofCelticChristianity,6andthe tombofKingArthur,wasabouttobecomeoneof theprincipalcentresofAnglo-Saxonmonachism, andoneoftheburying-placesofEnglishroyalty. ItisthesoleexampleinGreatBritainofareligious 1 Seeabove,p.49. 2 JudicialtraditionnoticedbyLappenberg,p.258. 3 Seevol.iii.p.25.Henschen,thelearnedandconscientiousBol- landist,afterhavingquotedtwoapocryphalchartersofInainfavourof Glastonbury,invol.i.ofFebruary,p.907,908,hasacknowledgedand proclaimedthefalsehoodofthearticlesinvol.ii.ofApril,p.81.He addsmodestly: "Sieadem,queenuncAprilemabsolventibus,adfuisset scientiaFebruariumtractantibus,explodiistapotuissent." 4 Chron.Anglo-Sax.,ad.ann.687and694.Lingard,History,p.161. 6 Seevol.iii.p.27and53. VOL.V. 1 130 THEROYALMONKS.

foundationwhichhasbecomeequallydearand sacredtothetworaces—tothevictorsastothe vanquished. Withthehelpoftheprincesandpatriciansofhis owncountry,Inafoundedorenrichedmanyother monasteries,1beingspeciallyguidedinhisgood worksbythemostillustriousabbotinWessex,his friendandcousinAldhelm,whomhehaddrawn fromthecloisterofMalmesburytomakehima bishop,andwhosecounselshefollowedwithaffec tionatedocility.2 Thefirst And,finally,thankstoIna,atthemomentwhen ofBoniface.Aldhelmdisappearedfromthescene,oneofthe mostillustriousofthesaintswhomEnglandhas giventotheChurchrisesonoursight,thegreat Winefred,whoseyouthwasspentinamonastery inWessex,fromwhichInatookhimtointrust himwithcertaindelicatenegotiationswiththe ArchbishopofCanterbury.3Thisisthefirstap pearanceinhistoryofhimwhowastobethe victoroverTeutonicheathenism,thetrueChris tianconquerorofGermany,andwhosename, latinisedintoBoniface,isinscribedinineffaceable

1 SeedetailsontheparthetookinthefoundationofAbingdon,given intheChroniconMonaateriideAbingdon,c.12,13,newlypublishedby J.StevensintheSerumBritannic.Seriptores.Inanassemblyheldin 704,heconfirmedthemonasteriesofWessexintheirchartersandpos sessionsbyadeedsignedbyalltheprincipes,senatores,judices,etpatricii. —Kemble,Cod.Diplomat.,n.50and51. 2 "AdfuitpaterAldhelmuscujusilleprseccptaaudiebathumiliter, suscipiebatgranditer,adimplebathilariter."—DeRegib.,lib.i. c.2. 3 S.WillebaldiVitaS.Bonifacii,c.4. THEROYALMONKS. 131 charactersinhistoryalongwiththoseofCharles MartelandofCharlemagne. WhileInawasstillinfullpossessionofhispower andpopularity,1afterthirty-sevenyearsofa pro sperousandgloriousreign,hiswife,Ethelburga, inwhoseveins,asinhisown,ranthewarlike bloodofCerdic,andwhohadsharedallthecares ofhislifeeventothepointofvictoriouslyleading hispeopletobattleinhisabsence,persuadedhim togiveuphisthroneandtheworld.According tonarrativeswhichunfortunatelyarenotgivenus bycontemporaries,butwhichareinconformity withthecharacteristicconditionsofAnglo-Saxon nature,thequeen'sdevicefordecidingInatothe sacrificewhichshemeanttomakealongwithhim, wasafterthefollowingfashion:—Agreatbanquet, accompaniedbyalltherefinementsoflordlyluxury inthesedays,hadbeengiveninoneoftheroyal villas.Nextmorningtheprincelypairsetouton theirjourney,butafterridingforanhourortwo, thequeenbeggedherhusbandtoreturnwhence theycame.Heconsented,andonreturningto thecastle,hewasstruckwithconsternationtofind thesceneoftherecentrejoicingsnotonlysilent anddesert,butdestroyedanddesecrated.Itwas coveredwithruinsandfilth,andtheverybedon whichtheyhadsleptwasoccupiedbyasowwith herlitter.Theastonishedkinglookedatthe

1 "Sinealtoinsidiarummetusecumsincanuit,sanctissimusamoris publieilenocinator."—Guill.Malmesb.,I.c. 132 THEROYALMONKS.

queen,whohadgivensecretorderstothiseffect tothestewardofthevilla,foranexplanation. "Yes,mylordhusband,"saidEthelburga,"where arenowouryesterday'spleasures? whereareour purplehangings,ourgayparasites,ourheavy silverdishesanddelicatemeats1 Allhaspassed awaylikesmoke,andthosewhoprizesuchplea suresshallpassawaylikethem.Behold,then,I prayyou,intowhatmiseryfallsthisfleshwhichwe feedsodelicately; andwewhoarefedstillmore daintilythanothermen,shallnotwefallintoa stillmoremiserablecorruptionV1 Inaabdi- Thiswasenough,accordingtothelegend,to diesin determinethekingtothinkonlyforthefuture obscurity . ... . atRome,ofhissoul.Authentichistoryproveshisabdi- 726-728. . , ... cation,whichwasgiveninthemidstofa Par liamentofWitan,towhomheannouncedhisre solutiontopasstherestofhisdaysinpenitence.2 Then,accompaniedbyEthelburga,hewentto Rome.Hearrivedthereafteralongandpainful journey,toendhislifeinpenitenceandobscurity. Accordingtosomeaccounts,heembracedmonastic lifeaccordingtotheruleofStBenedict; 3 accord ingtoothers,hepreferred,forhumility'ssake,to 1 '' Villicusexreginseconscientia...inlectoubicubuerantporcam noviterenixamcollocat. . . Regisoculiadmulieremrediere.Etubi sunt,ait,domineconjux,hesternistrepitus? . . . Nonnenosquiingur- gitamuruberius,putrescemusmiserius? . . . Maritumcompulitinsen- tentiamexemplo,quammultisannisfrustrainsusurraveratverbo."— Guill.Malmesb.,I.c. s Lingard,i.162. 3 Ad.SS.Bolland.,ti.Febr.,p.913.Mabillon,Act.SS.0.8.B., t.iii.p.465. THEROYALMONKS. 133

remainlostinthecrowdsofpoorpilgrims,with neithertonsurenorcowl,gaininghislivelihoodby theworkofhishands.1 UpontheleftbankoftheTiber,thenalmost desert,andnotfarfromtheVatican,thelawgiver andkingfounded,underthenameofSchoktSaxo- num,anestablishmentfortheorthodoxeducation ofyoungprinces,andforthepriestsandclerksof hiscountrywhodesiredtocompletetheirreligious andliteraryeducationintheshadowofthebasilica ofStPeter.2Headdedtothisachurchandbury- ing-groundspeciallyintendedforhiscountrymen, andinwhichhewashimselfburied,forhediedin Bomeintheobscurityhehadvoluntarilysought. HisfaithfulEthelburgaremainedwithhimtillhis death,andthenreturning,becameanuninEng land. ThegreatBenedictineWilfridhadsettheex ampleofthesepilgrimagestoRome,whichnobody hadthoughtofbeforehistime.3Someyearsafter

1 Guill.Malmesb.,I.e."Duxfceminafacti,"addsthemonastic historian,steeped,likeallhisfellows,intherecollectionsofclassicalan tiquity. 2 ItwastransformedbyInnocentIII.intoanhospital,whichhas become,underthetitleofS.SpiritoinvicodeSassia,themostcelebrated inRome.Othertraditionsattributethisimportantfoundationtoyoung OffaofEssex,whoalsodiedamonkatRome(RicharddeCirences ter,p.229,ed.Mayor),or,again,tothepowerfulOffa,KingofMercia, whodiedin796,andwillbereferredtofurtheron.Inanycase,thelatter wasagreatbenefactorofthenationalfoundationinRome,thedoorsof whichheopenedtostudentsofallcountries."Utibidemperegrini. . . exdiversismundipartibusbarbari. . . linguasquasnonnoverint,ad- discerent."—Matth.Paris,inVitisAbbatumS.Albani,c.1. 3 Seevol.iv.p.136. 134 THEBOYALMONKS.

Anglo-Crowdof hisdeathitbecameakindofepidemic.r During°the Saxonpilgrimsseventhandeightha centuriesRomewasthemeet- toRome.ing.placeofinnumerablepilgrims,whocamefrom allquartersoftheWesttoseetheholycity,and praybythetombsofthesaintsandmartyrs.By nonationwasthispiousdutyaccomplishedwith greaterzealandfervourthanbytheAnglo-Saxons. Theirkingssetthemtheexample,1differinginthat pointfromtheMerovingians,notasingleindivid ualAnofirresistiblewhomeverattractioncrossedthetotheAlpsEternaltogotoCityRome.soon

becameapparentamongSaxonsofallranks: princesandbishops,richandpoor,priestsand laity,menandwomen,undertookthepilgrimage witheagerness,oftengoingsofarastorepeat thejourneynotwithstandingitsdifficultiesand dangers.2Theyweresonumerousthat,collecting roundthefoundationofKingIna,theygavetheir nametoanentirequarterofthecity,theVicus Saxonum,3situatedintheimmediateneighbour hoodofStPeter's,andinhabitedexclusivelyby them.Theycame,saystheirhistorian,tomake acquaintanceintheirlifetimewiththesaints,by whomtheyhopedtobewellreceivedinheaven.

1 Lingardcountsasmanyaseightkings,including,however,Ethel- wulfandCanute*,whobelongtoalaterperiod.—Antiquities,i.116. 2 "Cupiensinviciniasanctorumlocorumadtempusperegrinariin erris,quofamiliariusaSanctisrecipimerereturinccelis; quodhistem- poribuspluresdegenteAnglorum,nobiles,ignobiles,laici,clerici,viri acfeminsecertatimfacereconsuerunt."—Bede,v.7. 3 FromwhencecomesthenameSazsia,stillpreservedinthispartof Rome. THEEOYALMONKS. 135

Butastherewerefalsemonkswhointroduced evenintothecloistertheindolenceandvicesof worldlylife,sotherewerealsofalsepilgrimswhom frivolousorguiltymotivescarriedabroad; andthe monasticwritershaveremarkedtheoneaswell astheother.ThewanderinginclinationoftheTheirais- ■ orderly Teutonicracesmaywellhavecontributed,afterbehaviour, thefirstimpulseofferventandsincerepiety,to increasethenumberofthoseundevoutpilgrims whooftenscandalisedbytheirconducttheChris tiancountriesthroughwhichtheytravelled.Wo menespecially,andevenvirginsconsecratedto God,excitedthejustindignationofthepriests andthefaithfulinFranceandItaly,bytheir licenceandlamentabledownfalls,duringtheir journeystoRome.Themelancholyrevelations transmittedbythegreatapostleofGermanyon thispointtohiscolleagueandcountryman,Bishop CuthbertofCanterbury,whichledthelatterto requesttheEnglishassembliesandprincestofor bidabsolutelythepilgrimagesofwomenandnuns toRome,willnotbearrepetition.1 Ishallhavesucceededpoorlyinexpoundingthe historyofthesetimes,andillservedthetruth,if

1 "Aliquodlevamentumturpitudinisesset,siprohiberentsynoduaet principesvestrimulieribusetvelatisfeminisilluditeretfrequentiam, quamadRomanamcivitatemveniendoetredeundofaciunt; quiamagna expartepereunt,paucisremanentibusintegris.Perpaucseenimsunt civitatesinLongobardia,TelinFrancia,velinGallia,inquanonsit adulteravelmeretrixgenerisAnglorum: quodscandalumestetturpi- tudototiusEcelesise.''—S.BonifaciiEpisl.adCutKbertumarchiepis- copum. 136 THEROYALMONKS. thereaderhasnotbeenstruckbythesingular mixtureofgoodandevil,peaceandwar,freedom andslavery,which,fromthebeginningofAnglo- SaxonChristianity,showsitselfinalltherelations betweensocietyandtheChurch.Itisevident thatgoodnesshadtheadvantageoverevil,but thattheevilwasformidable,thedangerscontinual andflagrant,thedeceiversandill-doersmorenu merousthanthesaints.This,notwithstanding, hasbeencalledtheGoldenAgeofreligioninEng land; notwithoutreason,ifthenamehasbeen givenbycomparisonwithlaterperiods,butwrong lyifattributedsolelytoitsrealmerits.Thefact is,thatintruehistorythereisnogoldenage.All ages,withoutexception,areinfectedbytheevil whichproceedsfromman'snaturalcorruption.All bearwitnesstohisincurableweakness,butatthe sametimeallproclaimhisgreatnessandfreedom, aswellasthejusticeandmercyofGod,hisMaker andRedeemer. BOOKXIV.

SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCEOFTHEMONKS AMONGTHEANGLO-SAXONS.

"Recordwetoo,withjustandfaithfulpen, Thatmanyhoodedcenobitesthereare, Whointheirprivatecellshaveyetacare Ofpublicquiet; unambitiousMen, Counsellorsfortheworld,ofpiercingken; Whoseferventexhortationsfromafar MovePrincestotheirduty,peaceorwar; Andoft-timesinthemostforbiddingden Ofsolitude,withloveofsciencestrong, Howpatientlytheyokeofthoughttheybear.. . . Bysuchexamplesmovedtounboughtpains Thepeopleworklikecongregatedbees; Eagertobuildthequietfortresses, Wherepiety,astheybelieve,obtains Fromheavenageneralblessing; timelyrains Andsunshine; prosperousenterprise,andpeaceandequity." WORDsWORTH.

BOOKXIV.

TheconversionandreligiousorganisationofEnglandentirelythework ofmonks.—Theirpatienceandperseverance;letterofBishopDaniel tothemissionaryBoniface; noviolence; mildnessandtoleration.— Theirinfluenceoverthenaturetheyhadconverted; evilsurvives, butthegoodoutweighsit.—AlliancebetweentheChurchandsecular society,withouttheexclusivepreponderanceof-either.—Theseapos tolicmonkswerenolongerfathersofthedesert,butthecreatorsofa Churchandnation.—Townsgrowuparoundthegreatcommunities.— Themonasteriesgiverisetocathedralsandparishes.—Propagationof theBenedictineorder.—Protectionassuredtothemonasticorderby theCouncilsofBeccanceldeandCloveshove.—Religiousinstruction inthenationaltongue.—Musicalliturgy.—Crossesintheopenair.— Servicesrenderedtoeducationbymonasteriesandmonasticbishops.— StJohnofBeverley.—FondnessoftheAnglo-Saxonstudentsfor horsemanship.—Servicesrenderedtoagriculture.—Positionofthe monksaslandlords.—Closealliancebetweenthemonasticorderaud theAnglo-Saxonaristocracy.—Interventioninpoliticalmatters.— Theirplaceinthenationalcouncils.—Authority,composition,and powersofthesecouncils.—Thedistinctionbetweenthetemporaland spiritualisnotforgotten.—Influenceofmonksintheseassemblies, andthroughthemonlawsandmanners.—Theycontributetothe formationofthatnationalunitywhich,sincetheninthcentury,has neverbeendisturbed.—Theirdevotiontothecauseofthepoor; ex piationforthesinsoftherichgivesrisetopublicalmsgiving.—Their zealfortheliberationofslaves; contestbetweenanarchbishopand anabbotforayoungcaptive.—Therightsofmanaswellasthoseof Godvindicatedbythemonksthroughoutthehistoryoftheirconquest ofEngland.—Religionistoooftenleftdefenceless,butherministers respecthonourandthefreedomofthoughtinregardtothethingsof God.—Themonasticmissionariesperfectthenationalcharacterwith outchangingit; thespiritoftheSaxonsstilllivesinmodernEng land; modernliberty,self-government,andparliamentaryruleare rootedintheSaxontimes.—Conformityofmonasticruleswiththe toneofAnglo-Saxoninstitutions.—Splendourandprodigalityofthe 140 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE

aristocracy.—Motivesoftheirgifts.—Abuseoftheirgrantsofland.— Folc-landandboc-land.—Monasticpossessionsexemptfrommilitary serviceandfromtaxes.—PublicdangerremarkedbyBede.—Repression ofmanyabusesbytheCouncilofCloveshove; itdecreesagainstmonas ticluxuryandwealth,andagainstthefalseideasprevalentastoalms giving.—Themonasticrichesarisingfromthemunificenceofkings andnoblessoonexciteenvy; fluctuationsandoppressionsnoticed byStBoniface; necessityofalimitwhichmightbeimposedbythe Churchherselfontheincreaseofmonasticpossessions.—Theirvalue formsapretextforspoliationandheresy.—LacordaireandMabillon. —ASpanishBenedictinemartyredin1608.—Beforereachingthis pointEnglandbecomesthehomeofChristianpropagandismandthe instructressoftheTeutonicraces.—AtthedeathofBedeBonifaceis alreadytheapostleofGermany.

597. Acenturyanda halfpassedbetweentheestab lishmentofStAugustinatCanterburyandthe 735. finalerectionofasecondmetropolitanseeatYork —betweenthefirstwrittenlawsofthefirstChris tiankingofKent,andthosedecreesoftheCouncil 747. ofCloveshovewhichestablishedasortofconfede rationamongtheAnglo-Saxonbishops,andatthe sametimesanctionedandmadegeneral1 thepa rochialsystem,whichisstillthefoundationof temporalandspirituallifeinthecountrydistricts ofEngland.2

1 "Utunafitomniumconcordia...insermone,inopere,in judicio,sinecujusquamadulationepersonam.. . . Utlicetsedibussint divisiperdiversaloca,tamenmentibusconjunctiinunospirituDeo deserviant."—Cap.2. Forallthedetailsofthisfamouscouncil,which washeldinthepresenceoftheMerciankingEthelbald,thefriendof theholymonkGuthlac,seetheexcellentnarrativeofLingard,Antiqui ties,voLi. p.124,andNoteG. 2 Cap.9,10,14.Cf.LeTlay,LaMforme.SocialedHuitedeVOb- servatimCompariedesPeuplesEuroptens,t.ii.ch.7,§55. OFTHEMONKS. 141

DuringthisintervalalltheinhabitantsofGreat BritainhadbecomeChristian; andallBritonsand Saxonshadacknowledgedthesupremacyofthe HolySee,substitutingeverywheretheobservances ofRomeinplaceoftheancientcustomsofCeltic Christianity. ThisgreatvictorywastheexclusiveworkoftheThecon versionand monks. religions organisa- Withnohumanaid—withatthemostthepro-t;°n,ot, x England tectingsympathyofawoman1tohelpthem—they*^™d enteredallthekingdomsoftheHeptarchy,onebyn°0„ksby one,asmissionaries,andremainedthereasbishops, aspastors,aspermanentpreachers.Littlebylittle theythusconqueredtheBritishsoil,andcovered itwiththeirestablishments.Theirworkhadbeen slowanddifficult.Stormyincidentsandmelan cholychangeshadnotbeenwantinginit. Sons didnotalwaysallowthemselvestobeledbythe exampleoftheirfathers,nornationsbythatof theirneighbours.Letusrecallthefirstdefection oftheJutesinKentimmediatelyafterthedeath ofEthelbert,thedoubleapostasyoftheSaxonsof theEast,therageoftheoldBritishChristians againsttheTeutonicconverts,thedestructionby fireandswordofthenew-bornChristianityin Northumbria,thehorribleravagesoftheheathen PendaamongallhisChristianneighbours!

1 BerthatheMerovingianinKent; herdaughterEthelburgainNor thumbria; theheathenbrideoftheholyKingOswaldinWessex; and theChristianbrideofthesonofPendainMercia. 142 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE

Allthesedifficultiesandtrialstheymetonly withanunconquerableperseveranceandgentle ness.Ahundredandfiftyyearsafterthearrival ofAugustio,a holyabbot,friendofStAldhelm, and,likehim,trainedatMalmesbury,revealedthe secretoftheirpowertohisillustriouscountryman StBoniface,whowasthenoccupiedincarrying thelightoftheGospelfromEnglandtoGer many."Toovercome,"hesaid,"theobstinacyof heathensavages—tofertilisethestonyandbarren soiloftheirhearts—painsmustbetakennotto insultorirritatethem,buttosetourdoctrines beforethemwithunfailingmoderationandgentle ness,soastomakethemblushattheirfoolish superstitionswithoutexasperatingthem."1 Toeffect Thusarmedthemonksfinallytriumphedevery- questtheywhere; andeverywhere,withthefreeconsentofthe ofthepatiencearmsrpeople,f rprovedby» therpublicdeliberationsofthe andtoiera-nationalassembliesofeachkingdom,whereeach tion. _ " hadthefreedomofgivingananswerinhisturn.2 Letusrepeat,totheimmortalgloryofthemo nasticconquerorsofEngland,thatneitherthey, theirdisciples,northeirprotectors,usedviolence orpersecutionfortheaidofevangelicaltruth.3 Thefaithaspreachedbythemonkswasnowhere 1 "Nonquasiinsultaudovelirritandoeos,sedplacideacmagnaobji- ceremoderationedebes."—Epist.15interBonifacianas,ed.Jafft. 2 "Habitocumsapientibusconsilio,sciscitabatursingillatimabom nibus,qualissibidoctrinahsec. . . videretur.. . . Cseterimajoresnatu acregisconsiliarii."—Bede,ii.13. 3 WehavequotedtheonlyexceptiontothisruleinSussex,p.281of voliv. OFTHEMONKS. 143 enforcedbya master; nowherewasitadmitted withoutexaminationanddiscussion; nowherewas it propagatedordefendedamongourinsular SaxonsbythesanguinarymeansusedbyCharle- mangeamongtheSaxonsontheothersideof theRhine. Atalaterperiod,itistrue,inconformitywith thegeneralspiritofChristiannations,andinpro portionasthetiesbetweenreligionandsociety becamecloser,penallegislationoftentransformed itselfintoa helperofChristianmoralityand ecclesiasticaldiscipline.Theassembliesinwhich bishopsandabbotshadaplacebesidekingsand landowners,oftendecreedsevereorshamefulpenal tiesforapostasy,1fortheviolationofSundayrest orthefastsofLent,2andespeciallyfordrunken nessandincontinence,whichwerethemostcommon vicesamongtheAnglo-Saxons.Butthesepenal tiesneverwentthelengthoftortureorbloodshed, asoftenhappenedwheretheByzantinelawshad infectedCatholicnationswithitspoison.Upto thepresentmoment,thankstoGod,inthesedis tantcenturies,inthemidstofgrossimmorality, besidescandalswhichwehavenotattemptedto concealordeny,wehavenotmetwithonesingle bloodyorcruelactwhichcanbeattributedto

1 Themostseverepenaltypronouncedagainstapostasywasthatof healsfang,whichinterpreterstranslateasstocksorpillory—apenalty, however,whichmightbeevadedbythecontributionsoffriends.— Thorpe,i.45; Lingard,i.112. 2 Bede,iii.8. 144 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE anyAnglo-Saxonbishop,priest,ormonk.Faith fultothepreceptsandexampleoftheirfirstand gloriousmasterStGregorytheGreat,theygained heartsandgovernedsoulsbytheirresistiblemight ofkindness; andthoughnotabovethereachof humaninfirmity,remainedlongstrangersand superiortothebitterness,covetousness,andvio lencewhicharetoooftentobemetwithinthe historyoftheChurch,andwhichshehasalways hadtopayforbyalossofsouls. Suchapostlesfoundneophytesworthyofthem. "Nonation,"sayswithjusticeEdmundBurke,the mostillustriousoftheirdescendants,"hasembraced Christianitywithmorefervourandsimplicitythan theAnglo-Saxons."1 Thepermanentandgenerous struggle,whichshowsitselfeverywherefromthe momentoftheirconversion,betweentheirnew principlesandtheiroldinstincts,theirsavage traditionsofmurder,vengeance,anddebauchery, demonstrateatoncethesincerityoftheirfaith andthemeritoftheirsubmission.Fora Ions: timetheyalternatebetweenatrociouscrimesand unboundedpenances,betweenaudaciousrapineand agivingupofallearthlygoods,betweenodious outragesuponmodestyandvowsofperpetual chastity.Theywerecapableofeverysintosatisfy theirpassions,andwerenotlesscapableofevery sacrificetoexpiatetheirexcesses.Butinthe long-run,andsometimesveryspeedily,goodness 1 Burke,EssaytowardsanAbridgmentofEnglishHistory,c.Hi. OFTHEMONKS. 145 carriedtheday,and,exceptforsometerribleback- slidingswhichwereinevitable,remainedmaster ofthefield,thankstothegenerousandunwearied effortsofthemonasticapostles.Whereverthe hand,thewords,thespiritofthemonk,bishop,or missionarycanreach,auniformtendencyisevi dent,bothinmoralsandlaws,inwordanddeed,to wardsjustice,humanity,theloveofgoodness,and neighbourlycharity; subduingthenativefierce nessoftheircountrymen; strugglingagainstthe mostpopularvicesandexcesses; introducingin tellectualculture; creatingandmaintainingsocial peacefromreligiousmotives.Thegreatmission whichdevolvedupontheChurchaftertheruinof theEmpire,thatofrestrainingandennoblingthe barbarians,ofpurifyingandtransformingtheir souls,wasnevermorecompletelyfulfilled. Andperhapsalsothealliancebetweenthetwo societiestemporalandspiritual,betweenChurch andState,wasnevermorecompletelyandhappily realised.Itwastheclimaxofthisunion,atleast inEngland,a momentwhichhaditsstainsand miserieslikeeverythingherebelow,butwhichwas freeonbothsidesfrompermanentandsystematic excesses.Nokingoftheperiodattemptedto governorusetheChurchforhisownadvantage; nopontiff,intheseexclusivelymonastictimes, claimedthatdeceitfulascendancywhichprecedes orproducesdecadenceandrebellion. CertainlytheAnglo-Saxonmonks,instrumentsof vol.v. K 146 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE

Theywerearevolutionsofruitful,andcreatorsofanorganisa- notFathers. , desert,ofthebuttionsobrilliantand, lasting,B'hadnothing,. except. . makersofatheirname,theircelibatecondition,theirfaithin churchand nation.JesusChristandHisChurch,incommonwiththe Fathersofthedesert,orevenwiththerareand austerecompanionsofStBenedict.Farfromflying thecompanyofotherChristians,theyimpersonated orcreatedChristiansocietyaroundthem.Farfrom thinkingoftheirownsalvationalone,theylaboured withoutintermission,firstforthesalvationofinfi dels,andafterwardsforthemaintenanceoffaith andmoralityinthenewChristiancommunities formedbytheirinstructions.Farfromconfining themselvestoprayerormanuallabour,theyculti vatedandextendedwithenthusiasmalltheknow ledgeandliteraturepossessedbytheworldintheir days.Thedistantplacestowhichtheyhadbeen firstledbyaloveofsolitudechangedrapidly,and asifbyforceofcircumstances,intocathedrals,cities, towns,orruralcolonies,andservedascentres, schools,libraries,workshops,andcitadelstothe scarcelyconvertedfamilies,parties,andtribes. Aroundthemonasticcathedralsandtheprincipal communities,townswhicharestillinexistence formedrapidly,andmunicipallibertiessoondawned intolifeamongthem,thevitalguaranteesofwhich stillexistalongwiththeverynamesofthemagis trateschargedwiththeirdefenceandmaintenance.1 AllthebishopsoftheHeptarchy,asournarrative 1 Kemble,vol.ii.p.330,338. OFTHEMONKS. 147 musthaveproved,issuedfrommonasteries; theThemon- clergyofthecathedralswereexclusivelymonksanswerthe . . purposeof wholivedincommunitywiththeirdiocesanprelatecathedrals * * orparishes. attheirhead.Fora centuryatleasttheyheld theplaceofthesecularorparochialclergy.The monasterieswerecentresfromwhichmissionaries wentforthtotheruralstationstobaptise,preach, andcelebratealltheceremoniesofworship,and intowhichtheyreturnedtorevivethemselvesby studyandprayer.Ruralparisheswereformed butslowlyundertheinfluenceofArchbishopTheo-670. doreinthesouth,andofArchbishopEgbertand730., Bedeinthenorth.Themonasteriesthuslongsup pliedinChristianEnglandtheplacenotonlyof cathedralsbutofparishchurches.Mostofthe cathedralspreservedtheirmonasticcharacteruntil longaftertheNormanConquest.Thedecreesof thecouncilofCloveshove,in747,arethefirst authenticdocumentswhichtreatasageneralfact thedistributionoflaylandsintodistrictsadmin isteredbypriestsunderthecontrolofbishops,in distinctionfromchurchessituatedinthelands belongingtothemonasteriesandservedbypriests underthecontroloftheirabbots.Thelatter churches,inwhichthepriestwasalwaysassisted bya deaconandseveralclerks,weresometimes calledmonasteriuncula. Whenparisheswerethusorganised,mostofthe priestsplacedattheheadofthenewdivisionsofthe countrywerenaturallybroughtfromthemonas 148 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE

teries.1AHwastomakeortomakeanewinthat greatwork,foritmustberepeatedthateverytrace ofancientBritishChristianityhaddisappearedbe foretheSaxons.ExceptatGlastonbury,whichhad beenatalltimesoneofthegreatcentresofCeltic devotion,2inthelittleRomanchurchatCanter bury,whereQueenBerthawaswonttopray,8andat EveshamwheretheruinsofalittleBritishchurch werefoundinthethicketwhichhadtobecleared awayforthefoundationofthenewabbey,4no vestigeoftheChristianityoftheBritonsorRomans istobefoundinthehistoryoftheconquestof Englandbythemonks. Thisextensionoftheirofficeandinfluencehad notbeenattainedinanyotherChristiannation; butitdidnotbanishfromthemindoftheAnglo- Saxonmonksthenecessityofmaintainingand guaranteeingthefundamentalconditionsoftheir Extensioninstitution.TheruleofStBenedict,whichhad ofthe Benedic tineorder.beenbroughtintoEnglandalongwiththeGospel bythefirstenvoysoftheBenedictinepope,St GregorytheGreat,hadfollowedstepbystepthe progressofevangelisationandRomansupremacy, andfinallysupplantedallthemonasticregulations ofCelticcountriesortimes.FromWilfridto Bede,allthepopularsaints,Cuthbert,Egwin, 1 Lingard(Antiquitiesofth-eAnglo-SaxonChurch,vol.i.p.457)per fect^'explainsallthatconcernstheorganisationoftheparochialclergy. Seewhathasbeensaidabove,vol.iv.p.209. s Seevol.iii.p.26. 3 Seevol.iii.p.346. 4 Seevol.iv.p.351. OFTHEMONKS. 149

BenedictBiscop,Botulph,andAldhelm,distin guishedthemselvesbytheirzealfortheBenedictine rule,althoughgivingtoitslightmodificationsand additionssuchassuitedthecountryandage.There existed,however,nohierarchicalconnectionamong thedifferentmonasteries,nochaptergeneral,and, exceptthetieformedbyWilfridbetweenthenine ortenhousesfoundedbyhimself,1nogeneralcon gregationofdifferentcommunities,suchashasbeen sogeneralsince.Theonlylinkbetweenthecon tinuallyincreasingmonasterieswhichcoveredthe Britishsoilwasinthecode,alreadya thingof antiquity,whichhadcomefromRomewiththe Christianfaith,andwhichthesecondcouncil ofCloveshovenamessimplytheRule,asifit hadbecomethesolerulerecognisedandputin practice.2 MostofthecouncilsheldinEnglandfromtheThemonas endoftheseventhcenturygavea placetomo-^a™£teedticorder nasticinterestsintheirdecreeswhichwasinkeep-councils ingwiththepreponderanceofmonasticprelatesin theassemblieswherethesedecreeswerediscussed orpromulgated.LetusnotethecouncilofBee-ofBcccan- cancelde,8called,in694,byWithred,KingofKent,694?' thefifthdescendantofEthelbert,whichwaspre sidedoverbyArchbishopBrithwald,andatwhich thelearnedGrecian,Tobie,BishopofRochester, 1 Seevol.iv.p.362. 2 Cap.24.Cf.Mabillon,praf.in1 ssecul.,§87. 3ThisissupposedtobeBeckenham,or,accordingtoHook,Bapchild, nearSittingbourne. 150 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE manyabbots,priests,lords,andfiveabbesses,were present.1 Thekingsummedupthedeliberationsofthe assembly."Idesire,"saidhe,"thatthemonas teriesandchurcheswhichhavebeengivenorbe queathedforthegloryofGod,inthetimeofthe faithfulkings,myrelativesandpredecessors,may remaindedicatedtoHimforever.I,Withred, earthlyking,movedbythecelestialKing,andin spiredbytheloveofjustice,havelearnedfromour ancestorsthatnolaymanhasarighttotakeposses sionofanychurchwhatsoever,corofanythingthat belongstothatchurch.Forthisreasonweinterdict allkings,oursuccessors,alleorls,orotherlaymen, fromexercisingauthorityoverchurchesortheir possessionswhichIandmypredecessorshavegiven asa perpetualinheritancetoChrist,totheHoly Virgin,andtotheapostles.Whenanabbotor abbessdies,letnoticebegiventothearchbishop, andlethissuccessorbechosenonlyafterthepurity ofhislifehasbeenacknowledgedbythebishop.It istheking'sdutytochoosetheeorlsandealdormen, thesheriffsandjudges; butitistheofficeofthe archbishoptoruletheChurchofGod,toelectand constitutebishops,abbots,abbesses,priests,anddea cons,andtoconfirmthembyhisgoodexample."2 1 "Cseterisabbatibus,abbatissis,presbyteris,diaconibus,ducibus, satrapis,inunumglomeratis; paritertractantes,anxieexaminantesde statuecclesiarumDeivelmonasteriorumintraCantiam."—Procem.ins. Cantuar.,ap.ColettiCondi,vol.viii.p.77.Wewillspeakofthese abbessesfurtheron. 2 "Voloutomnesmonasteriaetecclesisequsefuerintdataeetlegatee OFTHEMONKS. 151

Anotherdecreeofthesamecouncilexemptsthe monasteriesofKentfromallsecularbondage,and

neous,hadbeencruellyabusedbythegreedand rapacityofpowerfullaymen.1Threeyearsafter,ofBerk- ina newassemblyheldatBerkhampstead,pre-wtf**** sidedoverbythesamekingandarchbishop,and entitledacouncil,thoughmanywarriorsoccupied seatsinitalongwiththeclergy,thefreedomof theChurchwasagainguaranteedalongwiththat ofitsjurisdiction,itsproperty,anditsprayers.2 Thedecreesofthesecouncilsheldinthekingdom ofKent,underthepresidencyofthemetropolitan,

Deiingloriam,regumfideliummeorumpradeeessorumdiebus. . . itasupersintDeiinhonoremetfirmiterremaneantinsseculasseculorum. CumegoWihtredus,terrestrisrex,a ccelestiRegeincitatusetspiritu justitiseaccensus,anostrisavisilluddidicerimquodnulluslaicusjure debetseipsumimmittereinquamvisecclesiam."—Chron.Saxon.,ed. Gibson,p.48.NeitherBedenorMalmesburymentionsthiscouncil. Spelman,however,hasfounditsdecreesinfivedifferentMSS.The doublereportofthesedecreesgivenafterhisaccountinColetti,vol.viii. p.77,ismuchlongerthanthatoftheAnglo-SaxonChronicle,butcon tainsnoessentialaddition. 1 "Exhacdiedonamusecclesiisregninostriliberasesseperpetua libertateabomnibusdifficultatibussecularisservitutis,apasturegis,prin- cipum,comitum. . . abomnidebitovelpulsioneregaliumtributorum, utpossint,pronobisDeoomnipotentihostiasdignasofferre,nostraque peccataabluereimmaculatismuneribus. . . nisisuaspontaneavolun tary,exlargitatebeneficiorumquidfacerevelint."—Concilia,voL-viii. p.78,80. 2 "Liberasitecclesia,fruaturquesuisjudiciis,etredditibusseupen- sionibus.Proregeprecesfiant,mandatisqueejus,noncogentenecessitate, sedexsponteobediunto."—Concil,,vol.viii.p.99.ThisLatinisamuch morerecenttranslationoftheSaxontextofthetwenty-eightarticles intituledJudicia(Dooms)ofWithred. 152 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE weresoonadoptedoverallEngland.Theywere solemnlyconfirmedatthefirstcouncilofCloves- hovein742byEthelbald,KingoftheMercians, whowasthenthemostpowerfulprinceofthe Heptarchy,andwho,fromhisyouthfulfriendship withthehermitGuthlac,hadalwaysbeenwelldis posedtowardsthemonks.1Itwasatthesame timedecidedthattheexemptionfromallcontribu tionstothepublictreasurygrantedtothemonks didnotextendtothetaxesleviedforthethree principalnecessitiesofthetime(trinodanecessitas), thepreservationofroadsandbridges(biycgbote), ofnationalfortresses(burghbote),andofmilitary expeditions(fyrd). ThesecondcouncilofCloveshove—whichwasthe mostimportantoftheAnglo-Saxonassembliesof theeighthcentury,2andwascalledinconsequence ofacelebratedletterfromStBonifacetotheArch bishopofCanterbury,andspeciallybecauseofthe severeordersofPopeZacharius—addednewgua ranteesandalsonewobligationstothealready importantmissionofthemonks,takingeffectual measuresagainsttheabusesandoppressionswhich 1 "Studioserequirentesqualiterinprimordionasceutisecclesiaahiein Angliajubebaturhaberihonorccenobiorumsecundumnormamsequitatis . . . tandempervenitadmanuslibertasecclesiarumetinstitutioWith- rediregisdeelectioneetauctoritateccenobioruminregnoCantise."— Concil.,vol.viii.p.267.CloveshoveorClifpshoo,wherethesefamous councilswereheld,isplacedbythebestauthoritiesatCliff,nearRoch ester,inthepartofKentbetweentheThamesandMedway.Others supposethatthesecouncilswereheldatAbingdonorTewkesbury,which wasthenoneofthegreatabbeysofGloucestershire. 2 Seeabove,p.140,note1. OFTHEMONKS. 153 hadbeenpointedoutalmostatthesamemomentby BonifaceinhislettertotheArchbishopofCanter bury,andbyBedetotheArchbishopofYork.

II.

ItisthentothemonksscatteredasmissionariesReligious instruction andpreachersoverthecountry,orunitedintheint.ne, * * national numerouscommunitiesofepiscopalcitiesandotheri"*™*8- greatmonasticcentres,thatmustbeinjustice attributedtheinitiationoftheAnglo-Saxonsinto thetruthsofreligionaswellasintotheconsoling andreadily-adoptedobservancesofCatholicwor ship.Theywereexpresslycommandedtoteach andexplaintotheirflocks,inthevernacular tongue,theDecalogue,theLord'sPrayer,the Apostles'Creed,andthesacredwordswhichwere usedinthecelebrationofmassandtheadministra tionofbaptism; toexpoundtothemeverySun day,inEnglish,theepistleandgospeloftheday, andtopreach,or,insteadofpreaching,toread themsomethingusefultotheirsouls.1 ThezealoftheAnglo-Saxonkings2andpeo pleforreligiousinstructionintheirownlanguage

1 "Utsymbolumfideiacdominicamorationem,sedetsacrosancta quoqueverbaquseinmissascelebrationeetofficiobaptismisolemniter dicuntur,interpretariatqueexponereposseproprialinguaquinesciant, discant."—Condi.Clovesh.,can.16.Cf.Thorpe,op.cit.,p.159,and Lingard,Antiquities,vol.i.p.167. 2 Seevol.iv.p.101. 154 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE

hasbeenalreadypointedout.Fromthisspring thosehomiliesinAnglo-Saxonwhicharesooften tobemetwithamongthemanuscriptsinour libraries,andwhicharebyseveralcenturiesofan earlierdatethantheearliestreligiousdocuments ofanyothermodernlanguage.Thencealsocame thosetranslationsofHolyScripturewhichabound edinthecloistersfromtheseventhcentury,and whichprobablywerecirculatedoutsidetheirboun daries,—translationsascribedbycertainhistorians tothepensofthemostillustriousmonks—toAld- helmandthevenerableBede,whoaresaidtohave completelytranslated,theonethePsalter,andthe othertheOldandNewTestaments.1 TheSundayrest,stillmorescrupulouslyobserved inEnglandthaninanyotherChristiancountry, was,fromthebeginningofthemonasticmission, theobjectofspecialprecautions.ThePenitentiary ofTheodorerecordsthemostminuteregulationsfor preservinglabourers,vine-dressers,andgardeners, aswellasneedlewomen,spinners,andwasherwomen, fromanyinfringementofthatessentialguarantee offreedomforbothbodyandsoul.2

1 Lappenbehg,vol.i.p.197. 2 "Necviriruraliaoperaexerceant,necinvineacolenda,necincamr posarando,metendo,velfcenumsecando,velssepemponendo.. . . Nec inhortolaborent,necadplacitaconveniant,necvenationesexerceant. Itemfeminseoperatextilianonfaciant,necabluantvestimenta,neccon- suant,neclanamcarpere,neclinumbatere(sic),necvestimentalavare, necvervecestondere.. . . Etadmissarumsolemniaadecclesiasundique conveniant,etlaudentDeumproomnibusbonis,qusenobisinilladie fecit"—C.38,§8. OFTHEMONKS. 155

Thesolemnbeautyoftheworshipcelebratedin themonasticchurcheswasincreasedbythelitur gicaluniformityinaccordancewithRomanrites whichhadbeeneverywheresubstitutedforthe Celtic,andwereformallydecreedbythecouncil ofCloveshove.1Anditmusthavehada still greatereffectuponthepeople,fromthegradual introductionoforgans,thepowerfulmelodyof whichourAldhelmhadalreadycelebrated.2The firstmentionoftheminEnglandisconnectedwith theabbeyofMalmesbury,which,beingsituated notfarfromCambria,andfoundedbyaCelt,might offeranewattractionbymeansofthattouching andmajesticharmonytotheessentiallymusical Welsh.3 InadditiontotheceremoniescelebratedwithinThecross thechurches,whichwerestilltoodistantfromthroughout e 11 ■ • • • coun" eachothertoprovideforallspiritualnecessities,try. thesolicitudeofthemonasticmissionarieshadex tendedtheworshipofthecross,fortheinstruction andconsolationoftheunculturedcountrypeople. Themysterioussymboloftheredemptionofthe humanracebythesufferingsoftheSonofGod

1 "Uteamdemmonasterialispsalmodisepuritatemubiqnesectentur, nihilquequodcommunisususnonadmittit,prsesumantcantareautlegere, sedtantumquodexsacrarumscripturarumauctoritatedescendit,etquod RomanseEeelesiseconsuetudopermittit."—Can.15. * "Maximamillenisauscultansorganaflabris, Mulceatauditumventosisfollibusiste, Quamlibetauratisfulgescantcseteracapsis." —DeLaudibwVirginum,ed.Giles,p.138. 3 Cf.Lappenberq,i.198. 156 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE

wasraisedfrompointtopointonthehillsidesand inthevalleysofEnglandnowransomedfromthe heathenyoke.ThecrucifixwhichStAugustinhad presentedforthefirsttimetoEthelbert,onthe morningafterhelandedonthebanksofthe Thames,andwhichtheholyandpiousOswaldhad plantedforthefirsttimeasa signofhopeand deliveranceuponthesoilofNorthumbriaonthe eveofhisfirstbattle,stoodintheplaceofan oratoryandsanctuaryinmanydistrictsscarcely yetclearedfromtheforest.Acrossraisedinthe middleofafieldwasenoughtosatisfythedevotions ofthethane,hisploughmen,andshepherds.They gatheredarounditforpublicanddailyprayer,1and wereinspiredbyitwithavenerationnotlessaffec tionatethanthatwhichattachedtothesanctuaries, dailyincreasinginnumber,whichwerealmostall dedicatedtothemotherofChristorStPeter; fortheprinceoftheapostleswasthenthesaint mostuniversallyandfrequentlyinvokedbythe ChristiansofEngland.2 Services Theunrivalledbenefitofthefaithwasnotthe publicin- onlyservicewhichtheBenedictineslavishedon 8truction . bythemo-convertedEngland.Itisattheriskoffallinginto nasteries, . ° repetitionandcommonplacethatwedwellupon

1 "SicmosestSaxonicsegentis,quodinnonnullisnobiliumbono- rumquehominumprsediis,nonecclesiamsedSanctaeCrucissignumDeo dicatum,cummagnohonorealmum,inaltoerectum,adcommodam diurnseorationissedulitatemsolenthabere."—VitaS.Willibaldi,ap. Mabillon,Act.SS.0.S.B.,t.iv. 2 Lingard,op.cit.,ii.87-107. OFTHEMONKS. 157 theimmenseservicestheyrendered,thereasevery where,ifnotmoretherethananywhereelse,to publicinstructionandtoagriculture.Weflatter ourselvesthatwehavefurnished,almostatevery pageofthesevolumes,evidenceofwhattheyhave donefortheintellectualnourishmentofEngland. Ithasbeenseen,thatamongtheAnglo-Saxons,as wellasamongtheCeltsofIreland,Caledonia,and Cambria,monasterieswerethesolecentresofare ligiousandliberaleducation,andthatknowledge wasthereatoncemuchsought,veryvaried,and veryliterary.Thiswasnotthecasesolelyinthe isolatedcloisterswhichweredevotedtomonastic education.Thebishops,allofwhomcameoutofAndby monasteries,changedthecloistersoftheircathe-bishops, dralsintoschools,andcollectedaroundthema numerousbandofyouthseagerforworkandfor study. OneofthosepublicbenefactorswhodistinguishedJohnof Beverley, himselfthemostinthisrespect,wasJohn,whosemonk, 1 _ bishop, namewehavealreadymetasoneoftheintruders*ndone°f J themost whorepeatedlydividedbetweenthemthedioceseof]*£"s7n Wilfrid.1WemayjustlybeblamedfornotdwellingEngland- longeronhim,sogreatwashispopularityamong theEnglishofhisownday,anduntiltheendofthe middleages.2Thoughhewasbestknownunderthe

1 Seevol.iv.p.302,note2,andp.339. s ThebannerofStJohnofBeverleywasplacedwiththoseofStWil fridandStCuthbertonthesacredcartatthebattleoftheStandardin 1138(seevol.iv.p.360).ThesamebannerwastheoriflammeofEd wardI.inoneofhisgreatexpeditions.Twocenturieslaterthepopu 158 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE

nameofStJohnofBeverley,fromtheplacewhere hepassedthelastfouryearsofhislifeinsolitude, andwhichafterwardsbecameoneofthegreatest monasticestablishmentsofthenorthofEngland,1 hewasinthefirstplaceamonkatWhitbyunder thegreatAbbessHilda,andafterwardsbishop,in succession,ofHexhamandYork.Hewasadis cipleofArchbishopTheodore,anditwashewho hadthehonourofconferringtheordersofdeacon andpriestuponthevenerableBede.Betweenthese twogreatluminariesoftheAnglo-SaxonChurch, 686-718.hehimselfshoneduringhisthirty-twoyears'epis copatewithapureandgentlelight,thankstohis tenderanxietyforallthespiritualandtemporal necessitiesofhisflock,andthesupernaturalhelp whichhebroughttothemintheirsicknessesand troubles.Bedehasdevotedseveralchaptersfullof interesttohishistory.Heexhibitshimtous employingthemostminuteandaffectionatepains tohealapooryoungcripple,whowasdumband afflictedwithscurvy,ofallhisinfirmities,butespe ciallyofhisdumbness,teachinghimbytheaidof

larityoftheholyabbotofBeverleywasrenewedbythecoincidenceof thefeastofhistranslation,celebratedin1037onthe25thOctober,falling onthedayofthevictoryofAgincourt.Shakespeare(asalsotheRoman Breviary)speaksonlyofStCrispinandCrispianusaspatronsofthatday. ButinAugust1421HenryV.gavethanksforhisvictorybeforetheshrine oftheAnglo-SaxonsaintatBeverley. 1 ItincludedamonasteryofBenedictines,acollegeofcanons,anda nunnery.Thechurch,builtatfirstbyStJohn,wasdestroyedbythe Danes,re-establishedbyAthelstane,respectedbyWilliamtheConqueror, andrebuiltmagnificentlyinthethirteenthcentury.Itisoneofthe finestmonumentsofEnglisharchitecture. OFTHEMONKS. 159 heaventospeakandread,andbeginningwiththe alphabetlikethehumblestofteachers.1 Butanotherscene,whichtouchesoursubject moreimmediately,isthatinwhichwebeholdhim surroundedbyagroupofyouths,someecclesias tics,butthegreaterpartlaymen,whomthemonk- bishoptrainedtothestudyoflettersandmusic, withoutextinguishinginthemthetasteforathletic exercises,whichwasthen,asnow,inherentinthe Englishonhorsebackrace.throughThesestudentshispastoralfollowedvisitations,theirmasterandMonasticandhorse-

racing. whentheyfoundthemselvesonlevelgroundtook advantageoftheoccasiontorideraceswitheach otherattheriskofbreakingtheirheads,ashap penedtoa youngmonk,afterwardsAbbotof Tynemouth,whorelatedallthesedetailstothe venerableBede.Thejoyousimpetuosityofthe younghorsemen,theirentreatiestothebishopfor permissiontoridetheirracesunderhiseyes,the consentwhichwasfinallywrestedfromhimunder theconditionthathisfavouriteamongthemshould remainbyhisside,theimpossibilitywhichthis favouriteexperiencedofresistingtheimpulseand exampleofhiscomrades,hiswildgalloptorejoin theothers,hisaccident,hisswoon,thetender

1 "Jussitadseintrarepauperem,ingressoeo,linguamproferreexore acsibiostenderejussit.. . . Dicito,inquiens,aliquodverbum,dicitoGov. . . . Addiditepiscopusnominalitterarum: DicitoA: dixitille,A. DicitoB: dixitilleethoc.. . . Nequeultracessavittotadieacnocte sequente,quantumvigilarepotuit. . . loquialiquid,etarcana,suseco- gitationisacvoluntatis,quodnunquamanteapotuit,aliisostendere."— Hist.Eccles.,v.2. 1(30 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE

anxietyofthegoodprelate,thecareswhichhe lavishedontheimprudentyouth,passingthe entirenightinprayerbyhisside,untilthedying youngmanopenedhiseyes,andsaid,"Iknowyou; youaremybishop,whomIlove; "allthismakes uponeofthemostcompleteandattractivepictures intheabundantstoresofthegreatmonastichis torian.1 Wemuststopshorthereinordernottobegin overagain,asweshouldbetoooftentempted todo,theedifyingbutmonotonoustalewhich provesthestudiousfervourofbothmastersand pupilsinthemonasticschools, servicesto gutitisimpossibletoavoida briefnoticeof agriculture. 1 whathasbeendonebythemonksinEngland fortheimprovementofagriculture.Itisimpos sibletoforgettheusetheymadeofsomanyvast districts,uncultivatedanduninhabited,covered withforestsorsurroundedwithmarshes.Such was,itmustnotbeforgotten,thetruenatureof 1 "Cuminprimsevoadolescentisetemporeincleroilliusdegeremle- gendicanendiquestudiistraditus. . . contigitnositeragentescumillo devenisseinviamplanametamplamaptamquecursuiequorum: cceper- untquejuvenes,maximelaici,postulareepiscopumutcursumajoreequos suosinvicemprobareliceret.Atilleprimonegavit. . . sedadultimum multorumunanimaintentionedevictus: Facite,inquit,utvultis.. . • Ipsediligentiusobsecrans,utetmihicertandicumilliscopiadaretur.. . . Cumssepius,spectantemeetepiscopo,concitatisincursumequisrever- tere.tur,ipselascivoanimononmepotuicohibere,sed,prohibentelicet illo,ludentibusmemiscui.. . . Audiviillumposttergummihicum gemitudicentem: 0quammagnamvmfadsmihisicequitando.. . . Dum fervensequnsquoddamitinerisconcavumvalentioreimpetutransiliret, lapsusdecidi,sensumperdidi.. . . Evenitut. . . infractopollicecapi tisquoquejuncturasolveretur.. . . Vomebarnsaguinem....Atego aperiensoculosaio:Etiam;luesantislesarnatus."—Bede,v.6. OFTHEMONKS. 1G1

thevastestatesgiventothemonks,andwhich hadthusthedoubleadvantageofofferingtocom munitiesthemostinaccessibleretreatthatcould befound,andofimposingtheleastpossiblesacri ficeuponthemunificenceofthegivers.They surmountedallthedifficultieswhichstaredthem intheface,ofbeginningthecultivationofanew country; theforestswerecleared,themarshes madewholesomeordriedup,thesoilirrigatedor drainedaccordingtotherequirementsofeachlocal ity;andbridges,roads,dykes,havens,andlight houseswereerectedwherevertheirpossessionsor influenceextended,inevidenceoftheirunwearied andwatchfulfervour.Thehalfatleastofbroad Northumberlandwaslostinsandyplainsandbar renheaths; thehalfofEastAngliaandaconsid erablepartofMerciawerecoveredwithmarshes difficultofaccess,inthemidstofwhichthefuture king,Ethelbald,foundrefugewiththehermit Guthlac: yetinbothregionsthemonkssubstituted fortheseuninhabiteddesertsfatpasturageand abundantharvests.1 Thelatterdistrict,thepresentnameofwhich {theFens)alonerecallsthemarshyandunwhole somenatureoftheoriginalsoil,becametheprinci paltheatreofthetriumphsofagriculturalindustry performedbythemonks.Medehamstede,2Ely, Croyland,Thorney,Ramsey,werethefirstbattle- 1 Cf.Lingard,i.267. 2 TheoriginalnameofPeterborough; seevol.iv.p.176. VOL.V. L 162 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE

fieldsoftheseconquerorsofnature,thesemonks whomadeofthemselvesploughmen,breedersand keepersofstock,andwhowerethetruefathersof Englishagriculture,which,thankstotheirtradi tionsandexample,hasbecomethefirstagriculture intheworld. TheEnglishwordimprovement,sofrequently used,andsoexpressiveinrelationtoeverything thatconcernsbodilyandmentallabour,seemsto havebeeninventedexpresslyfortheiruse.As muchmightbesaidforanotherword,moreancient stillbutnotlessused-—thewordlandlord,which expressesnotonlythesentimentofdominionand territorialpossession,butalsothatkindoftutelary andalmostpaternalsolicitudewhichsohappily combinestheobligationsandtherightsofpro perty.Theywerethebestoflandlords; suchis thetestimonygiven,byallattentiveandconscien tiousobserversofthepasthistoryofEngland,to themonkswhoweretheoriginatorsofecclesiasti calpropertyinthatcountry,andwholongre maineditssoleguardians.Itwasnotonlyby theirgifts,bytheirableandgenerousindulgence towardstheirdirectdependants,thattheyexer cisedupontheinferiorclassesaninfluencealways benevolent,andalwaysgratefullyacknowledged. Itwasbytheeffectual,enlightened,andun weariedprotectionwhichtheyextendedtothe poorandweak,whowereunderotherlawsand servedothermasters."Theywere,"accordingto OFTHEMONKS. 163 oneofthegreatmastersofmodernlearning,"per manentmediatorsbetweentherichandpoor,be tweenthestrongandtheweak; anditmustbe saidtotheireternalhonourthattheyunderstood andfulfilledina marvellouswaythedutiesof thisnoblemission.Theyalonehadtheright andthemeansofarrestingtheroughhandof power,ofmitigatingthejustseverityofthe law,ofshowinga gleamofhopetotheeyeof theslave,andoffinding,eveninthisworld,a placeandmeansofexistenceforallthosefor sakenoneswhoseexistencewasignoredbythe State.1 Thus,then,thankstotheAnglo-SaxonBene dictines,thematernalauthorityoftheChurch begantoextendoverallweaknessandsuffering. Itgrewvisibly,interposingwheneveritwasneces saryagainstallviolenceandtyranny.

III.

How,then,wasthisoffice,sogodlikeandglori-intimate t . . . connection ous,given,fromtheverybeginningofChristianityofthe inEngland,totheabbots,°thegreat° monks,andorderwithmonastic ° ' & theAnglo- thebishops,whowereproducedbythemonasticSaxonaris- r' r j tocracy. order? TheinfluenceofChristianfaithandmo rality,ofwhichtheyweretheinterpretersand guardians,contributedtoitmorethananyother 1 Kemble,SaxonsinEngland,vol.ii.p.375. 164 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE reason.Butit wouldbeunjusttopassover anothercause,almostaseffectual—thecloseand lastingunionbetweenthemonasticorderandthe Anglo-Saxonaristocracy.Thisaristocracy,con vertedbythemonks,promptlyandcordially openeditsrankstothem.Historyhasnotpre servedthememoryofanyracewhichadopted, notonlythebelief,butthepreceptsandcoun selsoftheGospelwithmoreenthusiasmthan didthehighnobility,whichwascomposedofthe dynastiesandrulingfamiliesoftheHeptarchy. Neverandnowherehavesomanymenofroyal orpatricianracedevotedthemselvestothehard disciplineofthecloister,tothepenitentiallifeof anchorites,tothedangersinseparablefrompilgrim agesandmissionsincountriesstillpagan.This aristocracy,fondoffighting,ofgoodcheer,ofall sensualpleasures,andofpompandmagnificence which,bothintheirownpersonsandinthoseof theirdescendants,becameproverbial,1founditself allatonceripeforthenoblestexploitsofself- mortification,ofGospelhumility,andchastity. Afterthefirstforeignmasters,newapostles,issued fromitsownbosom,continuedtoshowit the pathofChristianvirtue,marchingresolutelyatits head. Fromthencespranganalliancebetweenthe aristocracyandtheclergy,betweenreligionand

1 "ExpompaAnglumintelliges."—Guill.Malmesb.,VitaAldhelm., p.7. OFTHEMONKS. 165 theState,morecharacteristic,intimate,andcordial, ashasbeenalreadysaid,thanexistedanywhere elseintheTeutonicandChristianworld.Anglo- Saxonprincesandnoblesbecameinrapidsuc cessionmonks,abbots,andbishops; butthese prelatesandclergy,belongingtothesovereign races,retained,intheirowncountryandamong theirneighbours,aplaceequalorsuperiortothat whichtheyoccupiedaslaymen.Theywerein stantlyrecognisedorelevatedtothemostim portantrankinEnglishsociety.Ontheother hand,thisrankandthosefunctionswereoften covetedbymeninspiredwithpassionsverydiffer entfromthesacredfirewhichburnedintheheart ofWilfrid,BenedictBiscop,Guthlac,andtheother saintswhobelongedtothehighestranksofAnglo- Saxonnobility. InEngland,aselsewhere,andperhapsmorethan elsewhere,thisintimatealliancebetweentheheads ofthetwoformsofsociety,spiritualandtemporal, andtheconstantmutualactionoftheoneon theother,producedresultsdearandsalutaryto theChurchaswellastotheState.Theadvantage, however,wasalmostalwaysgreaterfortheState thanfortheChurch,andindeedsometimesbecame dangerousandcompromisedthelatter.Abuses there,aseverywhere,inevitablyfollowedbenefits. Thesewillbeevidentbuttoosoon.Atthesame time,beforegoingontoconsiderationofthe shadowswhichitisimpossibletodenyorsuppress 166 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE

inasincerehistoricpicture,letusfirstcontemplate thelightwhichprecededthem. Theirinter-Itwasnotcertainlybyanyencroachmenteither ventionin ernmentsocialgov-openx orconcealedontherights0 ofothers,norbyJ andorgani-anysecretorviolentmeans,thattheheadsofthe sation. J ' monasticorderrosetothehighestrankinthe Anglo-Saxonnation.Theywerecalledtoitby thenaturalcourseofthingsandtheunanimous voiceofmen.Representativesofthemostelevated socialoffices,initiatedintoallthenecessitiesof electivegovernment,ofcommunallife,andvolun tarysubordination,theytooktheirplacenaturally ina governmentbased,inthefirstplace,upona socialhierarchyconsecratedbymutualserviceand hereditaryorfreelyoffereddevotion; andinthe second,uponthesovereignandpermanentaction ofpublicassemblies.TheseenvoysofChristianity broughtanessentiallyimportantandmuchdesired sanctiontotheusagesandinstitutionswhichsub stitutedamongthosenoblescionsoftheTeutonic racetheproudindependenceofanoftenheroic, butsometimesexactingandtroublesome,devotion, fortheabjectsubmissionofthedegradedserfsof theRomanEmpire. TheirplaceNotonlythebishops,whoallbelongedtothe nationalmonasticorder,butabbots,andoftenabbesses, assemblies.0CCUpie(j^egrsj.placeinthosenationalorprovin

cialassemblieswhichhavebeensooftenreferred tointhisnarrative,andwhich,underthenameof Witenagemot,orassemblyofwisemen,werethe OFTHEMONKS. 167

cradleoftheEnglishParliament; guaranteeingto theAnglo-Saxonpeoplethebenefitofagovern mentsustainedandcontrolledbythelayandeccles iasticalnobility,andmakingdecisionswhich couldnotbeviolatedordespisedwithimpunity byanymonarch. Attheperiodwhichwehavenowarrivedat, eachkingdomoftheHeptarchy,andeveneachof thetribescomprisedinorabsorbedbythegreatest ofthosekingdoms,1haditsspecialassembly,an institutionretainedatalaterperiod,whenEngland wasunitedunderthesceptreofonemonarch,by eachshireorprovince,Buttherealsoexisted assembliesmoreorlessgeneral,theauthorityof whichwasrecognisedindifferingdegreesbyall thedivisionsoftheconqueringrace.Tothese conferencesespecially,whichecclesiasticalhistorians havehonouredwiththenameofcouncils,thepre senceofseveralmonk-bishops,presidedoverby theirmetropolitan,a monklikethemselves,had thepowerofgivingamoreaugustcharacter.The councilofHertford,presidedoverbytheGreek673. Theodore,2decreedthatageneralsynodshouldbe heldtwicea-yearatCloveshove.But,besidesthat thisassemblyappearstohavebeenexclusielyeccle siastical,thereisnoevidencethatitsdecreewas obeyed.AcenturypassedbeforeEnglandpossessed

1 SuchastheHwiccas,theMiddleAnglesinMercia,andtheGyrwas inEastAnglia. 2 Seevol.iv.p.212. 168 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE

onesole,permanent,andregularassembly.Atthe sametime,fromtheintroductionofChristianity, localornationalassembliesbecamevisible,con stitutingagreatcouncilofthewholecountry,and meetingperiodicallyatChristmasandatEaster. Theircom- Themonasticprelatesheldtheirseatsinthese position.assemblies)guidesofthea^oncenationaaandtheasdoctorsgreatandlandedspiritualpro

prietors,whoseimportancewasdailyincreasedby theextentofthenewgiftswhichwerelavished uponthem,andbytheincreasingagricultural valueoftheiroldpossessions.Theysatinthe firstrankwiththeprincipallords,thegreatchiefs ofthenobility,thegovernorsofprovinces,called earlsorealdormen;* andabovetheotherpro prietorswho,underthenameofthanes,composed thegreaterpartoftheassembly.Accordingto thetheorymostgenerallyreceivedbymodern learning,2eachthaneorproprietormightreachthe rankofearl3bythechoiceofthekingornomina-

1 WhomBedeentitlesducesorcomites,provingtheirranktobeequal tothatofthebishop.EaldororelderanswerstotheLatinsenior,from whencecomesseigneur.Thisancienttitle,oncethefirstinthe Saxonhierarchy,thebearersofwhich,eitherhereditaryorfortheirlife time,werealmosttheequalsoftheking,mayberecognisedto-dayinthe nameofalderman,whichhasfallenexclusively,aswehavealreadyre marked,toelectivemunicipalofficialsinLondonandtheothergreat cities. 2 SeeTurner,HistoryoftheAnlgo-Saxons,vol.iii.p.48,115,123, 130,135,137(Parisedition,1840); Palgrave,RiseandProgressofthe EnglishCommonwealth,vol.ii.p.376,385; andKemble,TheSaxonsin, England,vol.i.c.v. 3 Kemble,however,believesthat,likethekings,theycouldbetaken onlyfromcertainprincipalfamilies. OFTHEMONKS. 169 tionoftheassembly.Everyceorl,orfreeman, whateverhisoriginmightbe,couldbeadvanced totherankofthaneifhepossessedlandsofa certainextent.Everymerchantwhohadmade threejourneysbeyondseasroseintothesame class.Butnonoblemanbybirthcouldsitin theWitenagemotunlesshewerea landedpro prietor.1 Whateveruncertaintymayexistastothedis tinctivequalificationsofthetwoprincipalelements oftheseassemblies,itis provedthat,farfrom formingdifferentcastes,theeorlsandthanes2

1 Itwasnecessarytopossessfivehydes,ormansi,forthreegenerations inordertobeathane,andfortytobeaneorlorealdorman.Thisdis tinctionisprincipallyfoundedontheevidenceofamonastichistorianof Ely(LiberEliensis,ap.Gale,Seriptores,vol.ii.c.40),speakingofthe brother-in-lawofhisabbot,whocouldnot,forwantofthosefortyhydes, obtainthehandofthedaughterprcepotentisviri.Headds,'' Licet nobilisesset,interprocerestuncnominarinonpotuit." Letusstate, atthesametime,thatKembledisputesthenecessityofaterritorialqua lificationforadmissiontotheWitan.Andletusalsorememberthat AbbotBenedictBiscopreceivedeightofthesemansiorlandsforan illuminatedvolume.Therealamountofthehyde(inGermanhof)re mainstobediscovered; theopinionsofthelearnedarecruellydiverseon thisrespect,varyingbetweenaminimumof30acresandamaximumof 120.Theacre,orday'smeasure,meanthere,aseverywhere,asmuch landasapairofoxencouldploughinaday.Cf.Ellis,Introductionto DomesdayBook,andKemble,op.tit. 2 Themeaningofthewordthane,orthegn,hasevidentlyvariedlike thatoffidelis,orleudeamongtheFranks,butitanswersmostgenerally tothemilitesorbaronesoflatertimes.Palgrave,vol.ii.p.33,376. ThemembersoftheAnglo-Saxonparliaments(conventus,synodus,con cilium)receivedthusinpublicactsandincontemporaryauthorsall sortsofdifferentdesignations,ofwhichthefollowingaretheprincipal: Proceres,sapientes,principes,senatores,primates,optimates,mag nates,majoresnatu,procuratorespatrise(ofthislasttitletherearefive examplesinKemble,vol.ii.199).Manyoftheactsoftheseassemblies quotedintheCodexDiplomaticus^EviSaxonici,arefurnishedwithsig 170 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE wereonlythefirstamongthefreemen,the headsandrepresentativesofa territorialaristoc racytheranksofwhichwereopentoall,likethat whichhasconstitutedthestrength,greatness,and freedomofEnglandforsomanycenturies,and which,fromthebeginning,wasa nationalforce representingthevitalstrengthofthepeople,and itsinterests,will,andimmemorialliberties.1The popularelementalsoappearsandincreasesslowly asweadvanceinhistory.Alltheinhabitantsof theneighbourhoodhadarighttobepresentatthe assemblies,which,forthemostpart,wereheldin theopenair; theyexercisedatleasttherightof condemnation,whichconsistedingivingtheirpub licadherencetothedecisions; theycouldalso, accordingtoPalgrave,makecomplaintsanddisclose theirinjuries.2Everythingleadsustosuppose natureswhichaidusinprovingtheircomposition.Themostconsider ablenumberofsignaturesreceivedinoneassembly(thatofCloveshovein 825)is121,ofwhom95weremonksorclerks.Acharterof934proves thepresenceatthe42archbishops.Welshgemotprinces.oftheking,of—

174bishops.abbots. 12dukesorealdormen. 52thanes. 91; describedas"totapopuligeneralitate." 1 Thepeople,saysKemble,werethetruearistocracy; thenobleswere onlyitschiefs,astheEnglishpeersareatpresentthebornchiefsofthe aristocracyoffreeholdersandten-poundhouseholders.Vol.i.p.258. 2 Thus,inthegiftgivenbyDukeEthelstanetotheMonasteryof Abingdon,thefixingofboundaries,andtheexcommunicationpronounced againsttransgressors,isconfirmedinthisfashion:—"Etdixitomnis OFTHEMONKS. 171 thatabbotsofpartmonks,intheofthecrowdthewhilevotesprincipalwastheirandswelleddeliberations.electivemonasteries,bychiefs,a greattookbishopsdecisivenumberand

InthetemporalandspiritualgovernmentoftheSove reignty Anglo-Saxonnations,nothingescapedtheactionofthese _ 0 assemblies. oftheseassemblies.Theynotonlygaveforth laws,theysharedtheactualgovernmentwiththe kings,andtookpartinalltheiracts,atleastso farastosanctionthem.Noroyalcharteror documentofstateexistswhichdoesnotproveat oncetheinterventionoftheassemblyofwisemen, andthepresenceofthemonasticclergyinthat assembly.Thekingcoulddonothingwithout theirhelporsanction,1 Noimportantaffairwastreated,nosovereignTheirattri- decisiontaken,withoutthishelporsanction,from thenominationofa bishoptothefoundationor exemptionfromnationalburdensofanewmonas tery.2Thespiritofassociationandthehabitsof

populusquiibiaderat: Fiat,fiat.Amen."InSaxon,"Syhitswa."— CodexDiplom.,n.1129.AcharterofEthelredin931declaresthat theactisconfirmed,"Totaplebisgeneralitateovante." 1 Palgrave,vol.i. p. 634to643; Lappenberg,vol.i. p.577. BesidethegreatscholarswhohaveinourtimerenewedthestudyofEng lishorigin,oughttobenamedaFrenchwriter,M.AlbertduBoys,who, inhisHistoireduDroitCrimineldesPeuplesModernes,hasconscien tiouslystudiedandestimatedEnglishinstitutionsandlegislation,not onlyinhisthirdvolume,whichisexclusivelydevotedtoAnglo-Norman feudallaw,butalsointhepreviousvolumes,inwhichhehassetforththe parttakenbytheAnglo-Saxonclergyinthesocialandjudicialorganisa tionofsociety. 2 ThisisprovedbytheexpressionsofBede: "Hsecinjussibihere- ditariumedictisregalibusfaciuntascribi,ipsasquequoquelitterasprivi 172 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE independencewhichwerethefoundationofTeu tonicliberties,absolutelyexcludedallideaofsocial orpoliticalabdicationintothehandsofamaster, charged,alongwithhisprincipaldomestics,to think,speak,andactforthenation.EveryAnglo- Saxontribe,greatorsmall,considereditselfequal tothemanagementofitsownaffairs,likethe powerfulandunconquerableEnglandofourown day.Wehaveseentheseassembliespossessednot onlyoftheconsultivevoice,butdecidingwith supremeauthorityastotheintroductionofChris tianityinthedifferentkingdoms.Nopublicact wasvalid,nonewlawcouldbeestablished,except afterdiscussionbythem.Lawswereissuedby theirauthority,conjoinedtothatoftheking,never bythecrownalone.Theydecidedalliancesand treatiesofpeace,aswellastheelectionandde positionofkings; foramongtheAnglo-Saxons, asamongtheFranks,thehereditarycharacterof royaltywasbynomeansabsolute.Thenational assemblychoseamongthemembersofthenational dynastythecandidatewhosuitedthembest.At eachelectionthecontractbetweenthekingandthe peoplewasrenewed,oftenwithnewclauses,ashas beenseeneveninmodernhistoryinthecapitula tionsoftheEmperorsofGermanyandtheKings ofHungary.Asforthedepositionofkings,the legiorumsuorum. . . pontificum,abbatumetpotestatumseeculiobti- nentsubscriptioneconfirmari."—EpUt.adEcgberthum.Cf.Lingard, vol.i.p.412,413. OFTHEMONKS. 173 assembliesmadelittledifficultyaboutit,when theirgovernmentwasunjustorunfortunate; and themonasticclergy,likealltheothermembers ofthebodypolitical,acquiescedwithoutscruple.1 "Withstillbetterreasontheyregulatedeverything thatconcernedtheimpositionoftaxesforthe publicservice,thelevyoftroops,theusetobe madeoffinesorconfiscationssufferedbythose whobrokethepenallaw,thegrantsofterritory madefromthepubliclandseithertomonasteries2 orgreatcaptains.Inshort,theyexercisedthe functionsofa supremecourtbothincasescivil andcriminal.3 NotraceistobefoundintheAnglo-Saxonhis-Dangerof toriansofanydistinctionbetweentheassembliesmentin whichtreatedecclesiasticalaffairsandthosewhichmatters, regulatedsecularlife.Bothweremanagedbythe samebody,andatthesamesitting.Itis,however, veryprobablethattheclergydeliberatedapart,at leastinthefirstplace,withtheaidoftheking alone,4reservingonlyapowerofratificationtothe 1 SeethedepositionofSigebert,KingofWessex,in755bytheprinces andthepeopleofhiskingdom("Providadeliberationeetunanimoomni umconsensu."—HenrideHuntingdon); andthatofBeornred,Kingof Merciain757,tomakeroomforOffa: "Conveneruntinunumomnes, tamnobilesquamignobiles,etOffaduce. . . ipsumaregnoexpulerunt. . . . QuofactounanimoomniumconsensuOffaminregem,tamclerus quampopuluscoronarunt."—MoresHistor.,ap.Palgrave,ii.279. s Alltheactsofthisdescriptionbearthemention: '' Cumlicentia etconsensuprocerum"or"sapientium,"&c. 3 Bede,passim;Chron.Angl.Saxon.;andKemble,vol.ii. 4ThisistheopinionofKemble,whobelievesthatthereweretwo houses,asamongtheFranks,onecomposedoflaymenandtheotherof ecclesiastics,butbothunderthepresidencyoftheking. ]74 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE

generalassembly.Thedistinctionbetweentem poralandspiritualmatterswasnotthelessclearly maintained,decreestouchingdoctrineordiscipline madeoutbythebishopsalonebeingpublishedat theheadoftheactsofthenationalassemblies,and apartfromtheotherdecisionssubmittedforthe sanctionofpublicauthority.1 SalutaryThereis,however,inthehistoryofthefirstcen- andpower-. fuiinnu-turiesoftheChurchinEngland,notraceofthe enceofthe monksconflictbetweenthetwopowerswhichafterwards uponthe and1cons^'Decamesofrequent,sobitter,andprolonged.As upon'iawsfor^eencroachmentsofspiritualauthorityin andmorals,temporalmattersinthesphereofnationallifeof whichtheseassemblieswerethecentre,nobodywas temptedtocomplainof,oreventoperceiveits existence.Yetthepublicofthesedayswasmuch lessabletoappreciatethesalutaryandwonderful resultsoftheinfluenceofmonasticprelatesand missionariesupontheinstitutionsandcharacter oftheAnglo-Saxonsthanweare.Atpresentthe mostprejudicedcriticsarecompelledtoavowthat theinfluenceofthemonasticclergyinthepublic andsociallifeoftheEnglishwasofthemostbene volentandeffectualcharacter.Tothemmustbe attributed,fromthetimeofthefirstlawsmadeby theparliamentofEthelbert,undertheinfluenceof theRomanmissionaries,2thegradualprogressof humanityandjusticeinthenationallegislation,

1 Lingard,Antiquities,vol.ii.p.33. s "JuxtaexemplumRomanorum."—Bide,ii.5. Seevol.iii.p.393. OFTHEMONKS. 175 whichuptothatperiodhadbeentoofeebleto struggleagainsttheferociousandcovetousin stinctsofthebarbarousconquerors. Tothembelongsalsothehonourofthattransfor-Theycon- mationofmoralsandsoulswhich,notwithstandingcreate national athousandbackslidingsandathousandmelancholy^ty™^ fallingsbackintoancientbarbarism,showeditself inthegenerosityandpietyofthelaymen,inthe obedienceandfervourofaclergydrawndailyin greaternumbersfromthebosomofthenative population.Tothemthecreditofhavingintro ducedintothelawsandcustomsa respectfor property,and,aboveall,forhumanlife,notrace ofwhichhadpreviouslyexistedamongthesavage invadersofGreatBritain.Tothemthehonourof havingcontributedmorethananyother,bythe uniformityoftheirwisecounselsandgoodexam ples,bytheunityoftheirdoctrineanddiscipline, tointroduceintotheAnglo-Saxonnationsaunity oflegislationandofgovernmentwhichgradually ledtonationalunity.Theystrengthenedthe thronebyteachingandenforcingthepracticeof Christianvirtues; theysanctionedandregulated theancientTeutonicprinciplesoftheresponsibility ofkings,oftheirsubordinationtolaw,totheir swornfaithandsocialcontracts; theyplacedthose principlesunderthesafeguardofreligionbythe solemnityofconsecration; theythusimprintedan augustandsacred,andatthesametimealimited andconditional,characteruponthethrone.In ]74 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE

generalassembly.Thedistinctionbetweentem poralandspiritualmatterswasnotthelessclearly maintained,decreestouchingdoctrineordiscipline madeoutbythebishopsalonebeingpublishedat theheadoftheactsofthenationalassemblies,and apartfromtheotherdecisionssubmittedforthe sanctionofpublicauthority.1 salutaryThereis,however,inthehistoryofthefirstcen- andpower-_ fuiinfiii-tunesoftheChurchinEngland,notraceofthe enceofthe _ monksconflictbetweenthetwopowerswhichafterwards uponthe 1 assemblies,becamesofrequent,sobitter,andprolonged.Aa andconse- T. ' » sr a uponiawsfortheencroachmentsofspiritualauthorityin andmorals-temporalmattersinthesphereofnationallifeof whichtheseassemblieswerethecentre,nobodywas temptedtocomplainof,oreventoperceiveits existence.Yetthepublicofthesedayswasmuch lessabletoappreciatethesalutaryandwonderful resultsoftheinfluenceofmonasticprelatesand missionariesupontheinstitutionsandcharacter oftheAnglo-Saxonsthanweare.Atpresentthe mostprejudicedcriticsarecompelledtoavowthat theinfluenceofthemonasticclergyinthepublic andsociallifeoftheEnglishwasofthemostbene volentandeffectualcharacter.Tothemmustbe attributed,fromthetimeofthefirstlawsmadeby theparliamentofEthelbert,undertheinfluenceof theRomanmissionaries,2thegradualprogressof humanityandjusticeinthenationallegislation,

1 Lingard,Antiquities,vol.ii.p.33. 2 "JuxtaexemplumRomanorum."—Bede,ii.5. Seevol.iii.p.393. OFTHEMONKS. 175 whichuptothatperiodhadbeentoofeebleto struggleagainsttheferociousandcovetousin stinctsofthebarbarousconquerors. Tothembelongsalsothehonourofthattransfor-Theycon tributedto mationofmoralsandsoulswhich,notwithstandingcreate national athousandbackslidingsandathousandmelancholyunityin, °_ J England. fallingsbackintoancientbarbarism,showeditself inthegenerosityandpietyofthelaymen,inthe obedienceandfervourofaclergydrawndailyin greaternumbersfromthebosomofthenative population.Tothemthecreditofhavingintro ducedintothelawsandcustomsa respectfor property,and,aboveall,forhumanlife,notrace ofwhichhadpreviouslyexistedamongthesavage invadersofGreatBritain.Tothemthehonourof havingcontributedmorethananyother,bythe uniformityoftheirwisecounselsandgoodexam ples,bytheunityoftheirdoctrineanddiscipline, tointroduceintotheAnglo-Saxonnationsaunity oflegislationandofgovernmentwhichgradually ledtonationalunity.Theystrengthenedthe thronebyteachingandenforcingthepracticeof Christianvirtues; theysanctionedandregulated theancientTeutonicprinciplesoftheresponsibility ofkings,oftheirsubordinationtolaw,totheir swornfaithandsocialcontracts; theyplacedthose principlesunderthesafeguardofreligionbythe solemnityofconsecration; theythusimprintedan augustandsacred,andatthesametimealimited andconditional,characteruponthethrone.In 176 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE

additiontothis,whileforearmingitagainstthe excessesandusurpationsofprincesandlords,they labouredenergeticallytogivetoittheforceand authoritynecessarytotriumphoverthedismember mentoftheHeptarchy,andtocreatethatunity,not absoluteandabsorbinglikethatwhichhaswasted orenervatedotherillustriousnations,butsuffi cient,andinconformitywiththegeniusandneces sitiesoftheEnglishrace,andwhich,whenonce fullyestablishedintheninthcentury,hasnever moreruntheriskofattackoralteration.1 Theirzeal Tothemaboveallbelongsthehonourofhaving forthe ° & poor. introducedintomoralsandthelawsthatsolicitude Public charitya fortheinferiorclasseswhichistoooftenabsentfrom workof expiation^ehearts0fthepowerful.Thediscoveriesofmo derneruditionhaveestablishedwithoutdoubtthe unexpectedresultthatthematerialconditionofthe inferiorandserfpopulationwasnotuniversallya stateofhardship.Theirlabourswerenotmore severenortheirwageslessthanthoseofourown days.2Atthesametimeitisimpossibletodoubt thattheweakwereoftenmadevictimsofthevio lenceandwickednessofthestrongintheancient Englishworld,aseverywhereelse.Howmany oppressedinnocents,howmanyviolatedrights,how

1 Palgrave,p.655,656; Lappenberg,i.203.Sincetheunionof theHeptarchyunderEgbertofWessexin800,Englandhasneverbeen dismemberedasFrancewasrepeatedlyundertheCarlovingiansand Capets. 2 Eachserfreceivedforhimselfandhisfamily720loavesyearly,with outcountingthemiddayandeveningmeal.—Kemble,vol.i.p.213. OFTHEMONKS. 177 manyunknownorunpunishedcrimesexistedin themidstofsilenceandisolation,inthevastre gionsstillsosparselyinhabited] Butinpropor tionasreligionpenetratedbytheinfluenceofthe monks,lightarose,andjusticeappeared.Little bylittle,voiceswhichcouldnotbestifledarose, powerfulhandswereelevatedtoprotectandavenge thevictims.Theoppressorstoppedtrembling; hehadtobow,torepent,tomakerestitution,to expiate; andexpiationalmostalwaystookthe formofanactoffraternalcharity,a serviceren deredtothecommunity.Asreligiousandmo nasticinfluenceincreasedinthenation,thehabit anddutyofsoothingsufferingandremedyingin justicebecamegeneral.Inevery-powerfulfamily frequentactsofvoluntaryrenunciationtookthe placeofthebrigandage,therobberies,andviolence whichhadbeenuptothattimetheirdailybread. Everycrimethatwasexpiated,everypenance thatwasaccomplishedbytheeffortsofthemonks, thuscontributedtopublicutilityandhappiness.1 Thelong-unpunishedculpritsfromwhomthenew faithwrestedatardyconfession,anactofcontri tionorrestitution,wereoftenexemptedfrombodily penances,butwerealwaysconstrainedtopaythe ransomofthatexemptionbyactsofcharity,which notonlyeasedactualmisery,butprovidedforthe necessitiesofthefuture. Thepenancesimposedbythemonksuponthese 1 Burke,EssayonEnglishHistory,p.223. VOL.V. M 178 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE greatsinnersandpenitents,w'erenotpiousworks andecclesiasticalfoundationsalone,butoftener stillthedeliveranceofcaptives,themendingofa road,therebuildingofabridgeorofcottages,the foodandmaintenanceofpeasantsbroughttowant byintestinewars;1 theyhadathousanddevices, athousandresources,allconsecratedtothesame charitableandsacredend. Theabundantgiftsshowereduponthechurches andmonasteriesbythefervourofnewChristians, andatthesametimebytheremorseofopulent sinners,werethustransformedintogreatandper manentbenefitsforthesufferingmembersofsoci ety,forthepoorandhomeless,thesick,thewidows, orphans,andpoortravellerswhowereexposedto somanydangersandtrialsbytherudenessofthe time.Bythismeansanunfailingchannelwas establishedbywhichthemunificenceoftherich, thestrong,andthehappyofthisworldflowedforth upontheweak,thepoor,andtheunfortunate.It wasagreatpublicofficewhich,withoutbeingre gulatedorimposedbylaw,tooktheplaceofallthe complicationswithwhichmodernlegislationhasin vestedpubliccharity.2Inshort,itwastherealisa tionandapplicationofthatgreatlawofmercyand brotherlycompassionwhichisoneofthemostsolid andnecessaryfoundationsofhumansociety. AmongtheservicesrenderedbytheAnglo-Saxon

1 Llngard,Antiquities,vol.i.p.258. s Kemble,vol.ii.p.514-516. OFTHEMONKS. 179 monkstosufferinghumanity,noneismoretouch-Theirzeal ... for'he ingormorecontinualthantheirsolicitudeforliberation ° ofslaves. thosewhostoodontheloweststepofthesocial hierarchy—theslaves.Thefamousincidentof theEnglishcaptivesboughtintheRomanmarket byStGregory,showsus,atthebeginningofthis narrative,thateventhesonsoftheconqueringrace werenotsafefromthisclimaxofmisery.But undertheprogressivepowerofthefaithpreached bythemissionariesofPopeGregoryandtheir successors,thenumberofslavesgraduallydimin ished.1Notwithstandingthatthetradewasfor biddenbydecreesandcouncils,a hundredtimes repeated,andtoooftenevaded,itcontinuedtobe carriedonasamatterofcommerce,2butveryfew slaveswerekeptinthecountryitself.Theydidnot, however,forma separaterace,sprungeitherfrom theconqueringSaxonsorthevanquishedBritons; theywererecruitedfromthedescendantsofRoman slaves,fromunransomedprisonersofwar,and delinquentscondemnedtopenalservitude.The monksdevotedtheirmoststrenuousexertionsto thestill-furtherreductionofthenumber.The exampleofthenoble"Wilfrid,whosefirstactwas tofreethe250serfswhoweregivenhimbythe

1 Remble,i. 220; Lappenberg,i. 575; Palgrave,i. 29.Atthe endoftheAnglo-Saxonperiodtherewereonly25,000inEnglandac cordingtothecensusinDomesdayBook,whichreckons275,000pro prietors. 2 Itwas,however,forbiddentosellthemtoheathens; thelawsof EthelredandCanutecontainformalprohibitionsinthisrespect. 180 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE

KingoftheSouthSaxons,alongwiththelands intendedforhisepiscopalmonastery,provesthat theywerecapableofseekingthefreedomoftheir fellow-creaturesattheirownexpense. Sterntruthcompelsustoconfessthatthiswas notthecaseeverywhere.Thehonestpenofmo nasticannalistshaspreservedtheletterofamonk ofroyalMercianblood,Brithwald,afterwards ArchbishopofCanterbury,inwhichheinsistsupon thedeliveranceofa youngslavewhowasheldin bondagebytheAbbotofGlastonbury."SinceI havefailed,"hewritestotheBishopofSherborne, "inthefirstentreatyIaddressedtohimbyword ofmouthinyourpresence,Ithinkitmydutyto sendyouthisletterfromthegirl'sbrother,and beseechyoutomaketheabbotacceptthethree hundredsolswhichthebearerwillgiveyoufor herransom,thatshemaybesentbacktous,to passtherestofherlifeamongherownpeople, notinthesadnessofslavery,butinthejoyof freedom.Hewillthuslosenothingoftheright hehasoverher/'1

1 "Quomodopetitiomea,quaprecatussumcoramtevenerabilem Beornvaldumabbatemdeconcedendauniuscaptivsepuellse. . . redemp- tione,inirritum,contraquodcredidi,cessit. . . obsecroutipseomnino obtineasaprsedictoabbate,quatenus. . . tradasillamhueusqueper- dueendam,quodpossitreliquumviteesiuespatiumcumconsanguineis suis,noninservitutistristitia,sedinlibertatistransigerelsetitia.. . . FraternosterBeornwaldusnihil,utsestimo,deeoquodineajustepos- sedit,amittit."—InterEpist.S.Bonifacii,n.7,ed.Jaffe\Ithasbeen alreadyseenthatArchbishopBrithwaldhadbeeneducatedatGlaston burybeforehewaselectedabbotoftheroyalmonasteryofReculver.Cf. Bede,v.8,andHook,LivesoftheArchbishops,vol.i.p.178and188. OFTHEMONKS. 181

Thisistheonlyexampleofmonasticslave-hold ingwhichIhavebeenabletodiscover,andfortun atelythepromptandgenerousamendmentofthe evilistobefoundbythesideoftheevilitself.If ithadbeenotherwise,withwhatauthoritycould themonkshavelabouredfortheextinctionofthis plague1 Theyneglectednomeansbesidesof diminishingthenumberofcasesinwhichslavery couldbelegalisedortolerated.Theemancipation orredemptionofslaveswastheworkofcharity whichtheymostrecommendedandinsistedon. Thankstotheirpresenceinthepoliticalassemblies, provisionswereintroducedintothelawsfreeing theslaveswhohadbeenoverworkedbytheirmas ters,orwhohadbeenobligedtoworkonSunday.1 Andbytheirpresenceatthedeathbedofsomany penitentsinners,theywereabletointroduceclauses intowillswhichprovidedforthesalvationofthe soulofthedying,bygivingfreedomtothesur vivors.NothingwasmorefrequentintheCodex DiplomaticusoftheAnglo-Saxonperiodthanacts ofmanumission,andall,oralmostall,statedthe religiousmotiveswhichproducedtheseacts,and thereligiousguaranteeswhichsanctionedthem. ThefreedslavewasofferedtoGodbeforethealtar

1 SeespeciallythelawmadebyInabytheadviceofthetwoarch bishops,HeddaandErconwald: "Siservusopereturdominicadieper prseceptumdominisui,sitliber."ThecouncilofBerkhampsteadcon demnedtoafineofeightypencethemasterwhocompelledhisserfto workonSunday.FromthencecomesthenameofFreolsday,ordayof freedom,giventoSunday.—Lingabd,i.310. 182 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE ofthenearestchurch,andthendeclaredfreein presenceofthemonksandthecongregationofthe faithful.Itwasuponthefly-leafofthebook oftheGospels,orsomeotherchurch-book,thatthe charterofaffranchisementwasregistered.1The firstvindicationsofindividualfreedomhavethus comedowntousinscribedonthemarginofmonas ticmissals,asthefirstindicationsofparliamentary governmentappearinthegiftsgiventomonasteries withthesanctionofassembledWitans. Thesegloriousandperseveringapostlesofthe lawsofGodneitherdespisednorneglectedanyof therightsofmen.Honourandjustice,humanity andpity,knowledgeandreason,wereplacedalong withthenewfaithandChristianmoralityunder thesafeguardoftheirpreceptsandtheirunwearied watchfulness.Allthingsfairandlovelyandof goodreportwhichmanhasa righttoloveand desire,afteraswellasbeforehisconversion,and morewarmlystill,beingaChristian,thanwhenhe wasnotso—allthenaturalvirtues,allthelegiti mateaspirationsofthesonsofAdam—wereap preciated,claimed,anddefendedundertheforms accessibleorpossibleinthesefar-distantdays, withanenergy,watchfulness,andcourageofwhich therearefewexamplesinhistory,bythemonastic apostlesofGreatBritain. Ihavesoughtoutwithlaboriouscare,andre latedwithscrupuloustruthfulness,everythingthat 1 Kemble,SaxonsinEngland,vol.i.p.225. OFTHEMONKS. 183 couldthrowlightontheinfluenceofChristianity, aspreachedbythemonks,upontheearlyhistory oftheEnglishpeople.I haveacknowledgedthat here,aseverywhereelse,thisdivinereligionhas beentoooftenpowerlessandineffectualamidthe coarseandperverseinclinationsoffallennature. ButIhavemetateverystepthebrilliantvictories ofself-devotionandfaith,ofdisinterestednessand purity,oftruegreatness,truecourage,andthe mostmagnanimouscharity.Andwhatisstill morewonderfulandmoreconsolingisthetotal absence,nottobemetwithinthesamedegreein themostboastedagesandcircumstances,ofevery thingwhichdegradesorcompromisesreligionin thosewhoteachandrepresentit. I assertjoyfully thatinthelivesofsomanyapostlesandministers ofcelestialverity,I havenotcomeupona single evidenceoffanaticism,ofegotism,ofbaseness, severity,orstupidindifferencetohumansufferings. Thestudentwillsearchinvainintherecordsof thoseforgottenlivesfortracesofanythingnarrow, sombre,orpitiless; hewillfindtherenothingthat couldenslaveorenervatethehumanheart—nothing whichcouldwoundgoodsense,reason,orjustice— nothingwhichsavoursofthatarrogantandcruel Pharisaismwithwhichallpriesthoodsareattacked orthreatened—nothing,inshort,whichdoesnot breatherespectforthefreedomofsouls,andthe mostexquisitesenseofhonourinallthethingsof God. 184 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE

IV.

Theyper- Butthereisyetanotherresultforwhichweowe fectedthe . nationalthemeverlastinggratitude.Ihemonasticmission- character withoutaries,whiletheytransformedthemoralsandfaith changing J H- oftheAnglo-Saxonconquerors,didnothingto changethenativegeniusoftheTeutonicrace. Theymadeofita nationofChristiansmore fervent,moreliberal,moredocile,andattached totheChurch,moremagnificentinitsgiftsto monasteries,morefruitfulinsaintlymenand women,1thananyothercontemporarynation; but theydepriveditofnoneofitspublicvirtues,none ofitsboldandenergeticinstincts; theydidnot withdrawfromitanatomofitsmanfulnature, theydiminishedinnothingtheboldnessandinde pendencewhichhaveremaineduptoourownday thedistinguishingcharacteristicsoftheEnglish people. Theinfluenceofa newfaithneverrespected morescrupulouslytheunity,independence,and powerfuloriginalityoftheconvertedrace,ofits language,manners,institutions,itsancientlaws, anditsnationalspirit.2

1 Withoutspeakingofholybishops,abbots,hermits,&c,twenty- threekingsandsixtyqueens,princes,orprincesses,sprungfromthe differentAnglo-Saxondynasties,arereckonedfromtheseventhtothe eleventhcenturyamongthesaintsrecognisedbytheChurch.Noother nationhaseverfurnishedsuchacontingent. 2 ThisisloyallyacknowledgedbytheGermanProtestantLappenberg OFTHEMONKS. 183

AugustinandPaulinus,WilfridandTheodore, emissariesofRome,astheyhavebeencalledby certainhistorians,andwhowereinrealitythe mostdirectagents,themostimmediateenvoys fromtheHolySeewhichhadbeenyetseenin Christendom,neitherintroducednorattemptedto introduceanyessentialchangeinthepoliticaland socialinstitutions,sodifferentfromthoseofthe Romanworld,whichtheAnglo-Saxonnationhad broughtfromtheshoresofGermany,orfoundin thesmokingruins,ofGreatBritain.Satisfiedwith havingdepositedinthesebraveheartsthesecrets ofeternity,therulesofmorallife,andstrengthto struggleagainstthecorruptionnaturaltoevery manbornofwoman,theyleftintactthespiritof therace,sothatunderneathhisChristianvestment theoldTeutonstillstoodperfectandcomplete. Manytimesalreadyinthisnarrative,followingthe exampleofmanyotherwriters,wehaveremarked uponthesingularunchangeablenessoftheAnglo- Saxoncharacter.Manners,vices,virtues,laws,cus toms,rights,names,titles,tastes,language,spirit, evendowntoitssportsandviolentexercises,every thingthatthemodernworldadmiresorfears,isat tractedorrepelledby,intheEnglandofto-day; 1 (vol.L132,144,629),incontradictiontothesuperannuatedtiradesof Hume,Henry,Soames,andtheservumpernsoftheircopyistsinEngland andFrance. 1 "ThemodernEnglishmanisalreadytobefoundintheSaxon.Each maninhisownhouse,masterofhimself,erectandcomplete,with nothingtocontrolorencroachuponhim."—Taine,Hisioiredela LitteratureAnglaise.Anywhoreadthemostfaithfulandcomplete 186 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE allistobefoundingermorflowerintheEngland oftwelvecenturiesago.Nonationhasbeenless changedbytimeorconquest. Allthetownsandalmostallthevillagesof modernEnglandseemtohaveexistedfromthe timeoftheSaxons; thenamesandactualbound ariesofparishes,countiesorshires,withtheirsub divisions,theirjudicialandpoliticalmachinery, theirreligiousandcivillife,alldatebackintothe periodbetweentheseventhandtenthcenturies. Butthenamesandexternalformsarefarfrom beingallthathaveendured—itisthesoul,theglo riousandmanfulsoul,oftheconvertedSaxonwhich revealsitselfinthemodernEnglishman.Civilvir tuesaltogetherunknowntotheenslavedChristians ofRomeandByzantium,and,aboveall,thatlofty sentimentofself-respectincertainmenandcertain classeswhichisthecradleofallliberty,developed themselvesintheshadowofthosewondersofhumi lity,self-abnegation,charity,andpiety,ofwhichwe havespokenatsuchlength—andformedthefounda tionofthatpublicspiritandthosepublicrights whichhaveneverceasedtogrowamidallstorms andeclipses.Self-government,thatistosay,the proudindependenceofthefreemanamonghisfel lowsinthegeneralcommonwealth—andparlia mentarygovernment,thatis,theunequaldivisionof pictureIknowofthepoliticalandsocialorganisationofEngland—that givenbyM.LePlayinhisadmirablework,LaRiformeSociale—willbe struckwiththepersistenceofthedistinctivefeaturesofBritishcharacter andinstitutionsastheyappearamongtheSaxons. OFTHEMONKS. 187 supremepowerbetweenthecrownandthenational assemblies—alreadyexistedintheiressentialele ments.Whenitwasneedful,byanatural,though toooftenmomentary,outburst,publicfreedom steppedforth,armedandinvincibleinthecollective forceofindividualandlocalfreedom.Thecommon lawofEngland,thattraditionalandunwrittencode, "thesourcesofwhichareasunknownasthoseofthe Nile,"1plungesitsrootsintooldSaxoncustoms,re cognised,sanctioned,andpublishedinthoseassem blieswhichwereinspiredandfilledupbyourmonks; andallcharters,aswellasallulteriorrevolutions, haveservedonlytodefineandconfirmthatancient andimmovablefoundationofEnglishfreedom.2 Toheartsthustempered,andaracethusruled,Agreement ....tip• i • between themonasticinstitution,undertheformwhichitthemonas hadadoptedinEngland,musthavebeeninsym-tic™^h*forder pathyandaccord,evenindependentlyofthereli-s£*J°"j gionofwhichitwasthefruitandornament.Thestltutlons- monasteriesweretypesofthosegreatexistences, atonceindividualandcollective,foundedona greatmoralidea,butsupportedbygreatlanded property,whicharestilldistinctivefeaturesofthe socialmachineryofEngland; whichhaveevery wherebeenoneoftheessentialconditionsofpublic freedom; andwhichseemasnaturaltothemascu lineandactivegeniusoftheancientTeutonicraces astheyarealientomoderncivilisationandincom-

1 ExpressionusedbythecelebratedLordChief-JusticeHales. 2 Cf.Fischel,DieVerfassungEnglands,p.25. 188 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE

patiblewithCaesarism.Forthisreasonitwastobe expectedthatanaturallikingformonasteries,whose foundershadbroughtfromtheheartofRoman slaveryasystemofcommonsecurity,spontaneous freedom,andelectivefunctionsentirelyinconfor mitywiththeinstinctsandhabitsoftheTeutonic races,shouldhavearisenamongtheAnglo-Saxons. Munifi- Hencenodoubtsprangthatinexhaustiblemuni- prodigalityficence,thatprodigality,solongdisplayedbythe tocracy.Anglo-Saxonroyaltyandnobilityinitsrelations withthemonasticorders.Thepossessionsofthe Church,whichthenmeant,almostexclusively,the possessionsofmonasteries,wereincreaseddailyby newfoundations,orbyfreshgiftsaddedtopre viouslyexistingestablishments.Wehavealready morethanoncepointedoutthemotivesofthese gifts,astheyareexpressedintheactsofthetimes, orastheyaremadeevidentbystudyofthecir cumstancesandarrangementswhichaccompanied Motivesofthem.Aprofoundfeelingoftheinstabilityanddecay

ofeverythinghuman,and,aboveall,ofmaterial wealth;1humblegratitudetowardsGod,from 1 "Nihilintulimusinhuncmundum,veramnecauferrequidpossu- mus: iccircoterrenisaccaducisseternaccelestispatriseprsemiamercanda sunt.Quapropter,"&c—CharterofAldraed,princeoftheHwiccas,in 759,ap.CodexDiplomat.^EviSaxonici,vol.i. "Universaquippequse hieinprsesentianisibushumaniscorporalitercontemplantur,nihilesse nisivana,eaduca,transitoriaque,exsacrorumvoluminumtestimoniiscer- tissimeverumpatet; ettamencumistis,aeternalitersinefinemansura altapolorumregnaetvigiterfiorentisparadisiamuenitasmercariafideli- busqueunt.Quapropter,"&c—CharterofOffa,KingofMercia,in779, ibid. OFTHEMONKS. 189 whomeverygoodgiftisheld,andtowhomapor tionofHisownblessingsarebelievedtoberestored byimprovingtheconditionofHisministers;1the desireandhopeofexpiatingthefaultsofatroubled life,ofredeemingthebackslidingsofhumanweak ness,andofmakingrestitutionofill-gottenwealth, eitherbyguaranteeingthelivelihoodofaclassof menexclusivelydevotedtotheserviceofGodand thepracticeofvirtue,2orbysecuringpermanent helpandsupplyforthepoor,thesick",andthe forsaken; inthelackofnaturalheirs,thehope ofcreatinga kindofspiritualposterity,bound toprayalwaysforthesouloftheirbenefactor; sometimes,asinthecaseoftheChildeEthel- bald,3whowasanexilebeforehewasaking,there collectionofandgratitudeforbenefitsreceived,and sheltergiveninthemonasticsanctuary; oftener stillthedesireofsecuringforthemselvesandtheir friendsa burial-placeprotectedbyholyplaces andholymen,andwhichshoulditselfprotecta religiouscommunityagainsttheingratitudeand rapacityofthefuture;4and,inshort,andalways, thecertaintyofdisposingoftheirlandsforthe advantageofthemostindustrious,useful,and charitableofmen.

1 "QuotiensSanctisacvenerabilibuslocisvestrisaliquidofferrevi- —Charterdemur,vestraofEthelred,nobisreddimus,KingofEssex,nonnostra692,693,largimur.ibid.Quapropter,"&c. 5 Lingakd,vol.i.p.251. 3 Seetheprecedingchapter. 4 Burke,op.cit.,p.225. 190 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE

Suchwerethemotives,legitimateandfrankly confessed,whichledsomanyAnglo-Saxonprinces, lords,andrichmen,todespoilthemselvesforthe benefitofmonasteries.Theymaybeallsummed upinthatfinetextwhichtheChurchstilloffers yearlytoourmeditation: "Concludemus-elee- mosynaminsinupauperisetipsaexorabitpro nobis."1 Abuseof But,ashashappenedeverywhereandatalltimes, tonalgifts,inthehistoryoftheChurchaswellasinthatofthe world,evilrosebythesideofthegood,andabuses cameinwitha stronghandundertheshelterof themostsalutarycustoms.Itisundeniablethat theseterritorialgrantsmadetomonasteriesex ceededthelimitsofjusticeandreason."Dona- tionesstultissimoe"saysBede,speakingofthegifts ofthekingsofNorthumbrianAlthoughmadeand sanctionedbyroyalauthority,inconcertwiththat oftheparliamentsorWitenagemot,theyatlast wentsofarasseriouslytothreatenthepublic peace. Thiswillbeeasilyunderstoodbyrecollecting thenatureoflandedpropertyamongtheAnglo- Saxons.FromtheConquest,orfirstestablish mentoflawsofproperty,besidesthehlotor allods,3giventothefirstoccupants,vastterritories werereservedforthepublicservice,orforfuture

1 PrayerAttendc,takenfromEccli.xxix.15. ! Seeabove,p.80. 3 Lots. OFTHEMONKS. 191 division,tofreementheliferentundercertainofwhichconditions.alonecouldThisbegivenwasFoie-iand

and calledfolc-land,thelandofthepeople,andhasboc-iand. beenjustlycomparedtotheagerpublicusofthe Romans.1Newallodsweretakenfromthis,onoc casion,torewardorencouragenewservices.Thus BenedictBiscop,theyounglordwhoafterwards becamethefounderofWearmouthandYarrow, receivedfromthekinglandssuitabletohisrank, whichhedidnothesitatetorestoretotheking whenhebecameamonk.2Theseterritorialgrants, whethergiventolaymenbyhereditaryright,orto religiouscommunities,couldonlybegrantedbythe kingwiththeconsentofhiswitan,andinvirtueof acharterordeedresemblingabook—fromwhence camethenameofhoc-land,orlandgivenbybook. Everythingwhichdidnotcontinuepartofthefolc- landwasthusdesignated.Alldonationsofland madetotheChurch—thatistosay,tomonasteries —weremadeunderthisnameandform.Subjects couldmakenoothergifts,astheboc-landwasthe onlythingintheirpower.Kingsmightdetacha bitoftheirownboc-landtomakeagiftofit,asEg- friddidtoBenedictBiscop; 3 buttheconsentof thewitanwasnecessaryinordertotransformany 1 Kemble,vol.i.ch.ix.p.289. 2 "CumessetOswiiregisminister,etpossessionemterrsesuogradui competentem,illodonanteperciperet,despexitmilitiamcumcorrupti- bilidonativoterrestrem."—Bede,Vita8.Bened.,§ 1,ap.Op.Min., ii.140. 3 "Utconfestimeiterramseptuagintafamiliarumdesuolargitus, monasteriuminibiprseciperetfaeere."—Bede,Hist.Abbat.,c.4. 192 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE portionoffolc-landintoahereditaryandperpetual patrimony.1 Landsthusgiventothemonasterieswerenatu rallywithdrawnfromthoseobligationsrelativeto militaryservicewhichweigheduponalllanded proprietors,asisapparentfromtheexpressions usedbyBedeinrecordingthedonationmadeby KingOswywhenheconsecratedhisdaughterEl- fledatoreligiouslife.Besideshisdaughter,says thehistorian,hegavetotheChurchtwelveestates ofsixfamilieseach,whichwerefreedfromearthly militaryservicetofurnishtothemonksthemeans ofdevotingthemselvestothecelestialarmy,and prayingfortheeternalpeaceofthenation.2 Thissubstitutionofthespiritualcombatsofthe celestialarmyforthemilitaryobligationsofother Anglo-Saxonlandownerswasfollowedoraccom paniedbya stillmoreimportantprivilegecon ferredonthenewmonasticproprietors.Thefolc- landorpublicdomain,whentransformedinto allodsorboc-lands—thatistosay,intoindividual property—remainedsubjecttoallthepublicor privateburdenswhichweigheduponthedomain,

1 Lingard,vol.i.p.250,andNoteK,p.407-411. 2 "Donatisinsuperduodec.impossessiunculisterrarum,inquibus ablatostudiomilitiseterrestrisadexercendammilitiamccelestem,suppli- candumquepropacegentisejusseterna,devotionisedulsemonachorum locusfacultasquesuppeteret."—Bede,iii.24. KembleandLingard donothesitatetosupposethatthesetwelvedomainsweretakenfrom thefolc-landandchangedintoboc-landfortheadvantageofthenew monasteries.IntheAnglo-Saxontranslation,attributedtoKingAlfred, thewordpossessiunculaistranslatedboc-lahd. OFTHEMONKS. 193

andatthesametimebecamesubjecttoordinary impostswhenthegrantwasgiventolaymen.But itwasexemptfromthoseburdenswhengiven tomonasteries; andwhenthisexemptionhadnot beendulystipulatedforintheoriginaldonations, deedswereafterwardsdrawnout,establishing theminthepossessionofprivilegeswhichthe piousmunificenceofaftergenerationsmadeit a dutyandpleasuretoconferuponthemonastic churches.1Ithasbeenseenabovethatfromthe endoftheseventhcenturya councilhadrecog nisedthisassumedexemptionofmonasteriesfrom burdensandtaxes—exceptingonlythethreetri butesorobligationsfromwhichnoonewasex cused,2andwhichregardedtheexpensesofmilitary expeditions,andthekeepingupofbridgesandof fortresses—asagenerallaw. Theincreasingnumberofmonasticfoundations, andthevastextentofterritorialgiftslavished uponthem,produced,attheendofabouta cen tury,analarmingresult—thediminutionofthe militaryresourcesofthecountry.Itwasnot,as hasbeensaid,thatthenationbecamelesswarlike, orthatatooexclusiveregardforreligiousthings hadturnedthekingsandpeopleoftheHeptarchy

1 TheCodexDiplomaticuscontainsnumberlessdeedswhichsecure theland*

1 "Quaarridentepaceetserenitatetemporum,pluresingenteNor-, thanhumbrorum,tamnobilesquamprivati,sesuosqueliberos,depositis armis,sataguntmagis,acceptatonsura,monasterialibusascriberevotis, quambellicisexercerestudiis.Quseresquemsithabiturafinem,poste rioraetasvidebit."-—Hist.,v.23. 2 Seeabove,p.75-87. OFTHEMONKS. 195 fromtaxes,andadvantagesofeverykindwith whichmonasticpropertywasprivileged,manyof thenobleshadobtainedfromthekingsandwitan vastgrantsoflandinordertofoundmonasteries uponthem.Sometimesfoundationswereactually made,butwithoutanymonasticorevenChristian charter; thedonorscollectedaroundthemahand fuloftheirownvassals,orofirregularmonkswho hadbeenexpelledfromtruecloisters; theythen calledthemselvesabbots,andlived,togetherwith theirwivesandchildren,onthelandextorted fromthenation,withnocarebutthatoftheir householdandmaterialinterest.Sometimeswhen thegrantwasobtaineditwasmadeuseofwithout anyfurtherthoughtofitspretendedpurpose,and nopretenceofamonastery,evenundertheludi crousconditionsju3tdescribed,wasmade.For this. reasonthevenerableBedeimploredthe kingandbishopstoproceed,withtheaidofthe nationalassemblies,tothecompleteabolitionof allthesefraudulentandscandalousgrants.1 TenyearsafterthedeathofBedethesecond CouncilofCloveshove2acknowledgedthejustice ofthegreatmonk'scomplaint,butwithoutpro posinganyeffectualremedyfortheunfortunate stateofaffairswhichhehadpointedout.This

1 TheCodexDiplomaticus(No.46)showsushowKingInaofWessex tookbackthelandsgrantedbyCissatoAbbotHeanandhissisterthe AbbessCille—"Terram. . . reipublieserestituit,nondumconstructo monasterioineo,neculloadmodumoratorioerecto." 2 Seeabove,p.152. 196 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE

Repressioncouncilenjoinedthebishopstovisitthenionas- ofabuses bythe teries,"ifindeedsuchanamecanbegivento Councilof ° cioveshove.houseswhichthetyrannyofavarice,tothescandal oftheChristianreligion,retainsinthehandsof worldlypersons,investedwiththemnotbydivine ordinance,butbyaninventionofhumanpre sumption."1Theobjectofthesepastoralvisits wastowarntheinmatesofthepretendedcom munitiesoftherisksrunbytheirsouls,andto provideforthepresenceofpriestsincaseofany deadlysickness.Butnothingindicatesthatvigor ousmeasuresweretakenagainsttheodiousabuses whichproducedthoseso-calledmonasteries.Ill- consideredgrantsofpubliclands,tofalsemonks, or,aswasmuchmorefrequent,topowerfullaymen, continuedwithimpunitytotheendoftheAnglo- Saxonperiod,causingseriousdisturbancesinthe developmentofthepopulationandthecondition offreemen,bywhichtheDanishandNorman invasionswerefacilitated.3 ButtheCouncilofCloveshovehadotherabuses torepressbesidesthoseofsecularusurpation.The illustriousBoniface,thennearlyattheendofhis gloriouscareer,andwhosevehementremonstrances

1 "Monasteria,sitamenestfaseaitanominare,qusetemporibusistis proptervimtyrannicsequsedamavaritiseadreligionisChristiansestatum mullatenusimmutaripossent,idestassecularibusnondivinselegisordi- natione,sedhumanseadinventionisprsesumptione,utcumquetenentur."— Cap.5. 2 Atthisperiodtherescarcelyremainedperhapsanacreoffolc-land thathadnotbeenchangedintoboc-land,undervariouspretexts.— Kkmble,I.c. OFTHEMONKS. 197 withKingEthelbaldandtheprimateofEngland hadspeciallyprocuredtheconvocationofthe Council,didnotcontenthimselfwithstigmatising assacrilegiouspersonsandhomicides,thelaymen, weretheykingsorearls,whocalledthemselves abbotsoftheseusurpedmonasteries.1Hepointed outtothebishopstheirownfailings,amongst othersthenationalviceofdrunkenness,fromwhich eventheirepiscopaldignitydidnotalwaysprotect theAnglo-Saxonbishops;2 healsopointedout intheverycloistersthemselvesaculpableluxury andridiculousabundanceofornamentinthevest mentsofthemonks; andrepresentedtothem thatsuchchildishtriflesmightbeanintroduc tiontoexcessesmuchmoregrave,tobadcom pany,totheabandonmentofreadingandprayer, andeventodebauchery,andthelossoftheir souls.3 1 "Illeantemquilaicnshomovelimperator,velrex,velaliquis,prse- fectorumveleomitumssecularipotestatefultus,sibiperviolentiamrapiat monasteriumdepotestateepiscopi,velabbatis,velabbatissse,etincipiat ipsiviceabbatisregereethaberesubsemonachosetpecuniampossidere, qusefuitChristisanguinecomparata,talemhominemnominantantiqui patresraptoremetsacrilegumethomicidampauperumetlupumdiabolum intranteminovileChristietmaximoanathematisvinculodamnandum antetribunalChristi."—EpistolaadCuthberlum,p.351,ed.Hussey.No. 70,ed.Jaffe. 2 "Ferturquoqueinparochiisvestrisebrietatismalumnimisadsuetnm esse,utnonsolumepiscopiquidamnonprohibeant,sedetiamipsinimis bibentesinebrientur,etaliosporrectispoculismajoribuscogantutinebri- entur."—Ibid.,p.353. 3 "SnpervacuametDeoodibilemvestimeutornmsuperstitionemprohi- bere; quiaillaornamentavestium. . . latissimisclavis,vermiumima- ginibusclavataadventumAntichristi. . . prsecurruut; illiuscallidi- tate,perministrossuosintroducereintraclaustramonasteriorumforni- cationemetluxuriamclavatorumjuvenum,etfcedaconsortia,ettsedium 198 SOCIALANDPOLITICAL.INFLUENCE

Inaccordancewiththeadviceoftheirillustri ouscountryman,thetwelvebishopsassembledat Cloveshove,incouncilwiththeKingofMerciaand hisnobles,forbademonks,andespeciallynuns,to makeanychangeintheirdress,shoes,orheaddress, whichwouldassimilatetheircostumetothatofthe laymembersofsociety.1ThesameCouncilforbade themtofrequentthehousesofsecularpersons,or todwellinthem; 2 itcommandedtheabbotsand abbessestoneglectnomeansofpreservingintheir communities,andtheschoolsattachedtothem,the loveofstudyandreading,asthebestpreservative againstthevanitiesandlustsoftheworld,3andto makeoftheirmonasteriesanasylumforsilence, study,prayer,andwork.4Itreprovedandforbade theintroductionofpoets,minstrels,musicians,and clownsintothereligioushouses: theprolongedvisits ofsecularpersons,whowereallowedtopenetrate

lectionisetorationis,etperditionemanimarum."Igiveinthesetwo latternotesthecompletetextasgivenbySpelmaninhisConcilia,p.259, fortheendofthisletter,fromthewordluxuriam,isomittedintheedi tionsofSerrariusandGiles.Noeditorhasyetsatisfactorilyexplained whatweretheclaviandvermes,thepresenceofwhichinthecostumeof themonkssoscandalisedBoniface. 1 "Utvestibusconsuetis,juxtaformampriorum. . . deincepsutan- tur; necimitenturssecularesinvestitucrurumperfasciolas,necper coculasincireumdationecapitismodopalliila'ieorumcontramoremEc- clesise."—Cap.28. 2 Cap.29. 3 "Utperfamiliassuaslectionisstudiumindesinenterinplurimorum pectoribusversetur. . . coerceanturetexerceanturinscholispueri dilectionemsacrsescientise."—Cap.7. 4 "Utsintjuxtavocabulumnominissui,honestasilentium,quietorum atqueproDeolaborantiumhabitacula. . . orantium,legentium,Deum- quelaudantium."—Cap.20. OFTHEMONKS. 199 intoandwanderabouttheinteriorofthecloister; theprolongedandluxuriousmeals,mingledwith buffooneries;1andespeciallythatfatalleaningto wardsdrunkenness,whichledthemnotonlythem selvestodrinktoexcess,buttoforcetheirlay companionstodrinkwiththem.2 TheCouncilconcludesthishumblingenumera tionoftheevilswhichluxuryandwealthhad introducedintothecloisterbyasortoftreatise, equallymarkedbyitseloquenceanditsgoodsense, againstthefalseideaswhichbegantobegeneral onthe.subjectofalms,or,inotherwords,onthe moralvalueofthosegiftswhichconstitutedthe dailyincreasingwealthofthemonasteries.An echoofthegenerousprotestofBedeinhisletter totheArchbishopof-Yorkistobefoundinit.3 Alms,saytheFathersofthecouncil,whenjoined totheappointedpenance,helpinobtainingfrom Godamorepromptremissionofsin,andbestowal ofgracetopreventbacksliding; tothosewhoare notgreatsinners,itanswersthepurposeofinsur inginheaventherewardduetotheirinnocence andcharity.Butalmsarenotgiveninorderthat thosewhoreceivethemmaygivethemselvesupto

1 "Nonsintludicrarumartiumreceptacula. . . poetarum,cithari- starum,musicorum,scurrarum.. . . Nonhabeantssecularesquiqueva- gandilicentiate. . . perinterioramonasteriidomuncula."—Cap.20. 2 "Utmonasterialessiveecclesiasticiebrietatismalumnonsectentur. . . . Nequealioscogantintemperanterbibere.. . . Sintconvivianeque deliciisvelscurrilitatibusmixta. . . etut. . . potationibusebrioso- rummorenonserviant."—Cap.21. 3 Seeabove,p.86. 200 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE excessineatinganddrinking.1Norcananyalms whicharegivenwiththeintentionofpurchasing greaterlicenceinthefuturebeofanyefficacyto redeemeventhesmallestofsins.Almsareawork ofpity.Hewhohaspityinhissoulmustdo hisalmsathisownexpense,andnotbyrobbing hisneighbour.TooffertoGodgiftsstainedwith violenceandcruelty,istoirritateinsteadofap peasingdivinejustice.Forthewisemanhassaid, "Togivealmsattheexpenseofthepoor,islike killingthesoninpresenceofhisfather."2Even tosupposethatDivinejusticeisvenal,isameans ofprovokingittostrikeseverelyandpromptly. Thecommonsaying,thatcertainpersonsgivedaily offeringstoGodinorderthattheymaygivethem selvesuptosinwithimpunity,isthereforeagreat mistake.Thosewhofoolishlyimaginethatthe celestialJudgewillbalancetheirgiftsagainsttheir continuedcrimesareblindindeed.Itwillbeof nousetothemtogivetheirgoodstoGod,solong astheygivethemselvestothedevil.3 1 "Nonsitquoqueeleemosynailliusadhocesurientidata,utse ipsumcomessationibusebrietatibusqueillicitissupramodumingurgitet." —Cap.26. a "Eleemosynaqusefitexsubstantiapauperum,quasiquiraactatfilium ineonspectupatrissui."—Eccl.xxxiv.24. 3 "Nonadhocsinedubiodandse,utqurelibetvelminimasaltem peccataeolicentiuscuiquamagereliceat,quovelipsevelaliusquilibet proeoeleemosynasfaciat.. . . NeperhocquodvenalemDeijustitiam ponat,abeademnonsolumacrius,sedcitiusjuxtameritaistiusjudicetur. Nonsint,utgeneraliterdicatur,eleemosynseadhocdate.. . . Frustra suastantumeleemosynasetnonintermixtallagitiasupermimpensare judicemcsecosuolibituvoluntetoptant. . . suaDeodarevidentur,sed seipsosdiaboloperflagitiadarenoildubitantur."—Cap.26. OFTHEMONKS. 201

TheCouncilinsistsatlengthuponthenecessity ofincessantpreachingtoall,thatalmscannever taketheplaceofcontrition,norofthecanonical penaltiesimposedfortheexpiationofsins.It energeticallycondemnsthosewhohopetoacquit themselvesoftheirpenancesbytheinterventionof otherswhoshallfastorsingpsalmsontheiraccount —thatistosay,themoDk3supportedbytheir gifts.Itisthefleshwhichhassinnedwhichought tobepunished.Toallowsinnerstobelievethe contrarywouldbetoruinthembycorruptadula tion.Forifa mancouldredeemhisfaultsby money,andsatisfythejusticeofGodbythedeeds ofanother,thenjusticewouldindeedbevenal, andtherichwouldbesavedmoreeasilythanthe poor,indefianceoftheexpresswordsofScripture. Letnomandeceivehimselfthus,forGoddeceives noman; and,ashasbeensaidbyHisApostle,we shallallappearonthesamelevelbeforethetri bunalofChrist.1 ItisthusevidentthatthechiefsoftheAnglo- SaxonChurch,whoallcamefromthemonastic order,werethefirsttoprotestagainstfalseinter pretationsandevilapplicationsofthedoctrineof alms.Theyprotestedatthesamemoment,and

1 "Ipsailliuscaroquseillicitaacnefandacontraxitdesideria,ipsamhie inprsesentipunirejuxtamodumreatussuidebet.. . . Dehocprolixius ideodisputandumest,quianuperquidamdives,petensreconciliationem promagnosuofacinore. . . quodsupernijudicisquotidiejustitiaminter sequasivenalemstatuere.. . . Antequampluresvestraerrabundaadula- tioneimplicanturetdeducanturadpernieiem."—Cap.27. 202 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE beforetheevent,againstthecalumniesandexag gerationsheapedbyanunjustandungratefulpos terityupontheavariceandgreedofecclesiastical corporationsandthehypocrisiesandevilinfluence ofthecloister. Buttheabuseswhichtheirwatchfulandpater nalauthoritythusendeavouredtoassailandre press,werewithoutonesingleexceptiontobeat tributedtotherelaxationofrulewhichtoomuch andtoosuddenwealthhadintroducedintothe monasteries. Andallwasnotyetsaid.Forthiswealth broughtwithitotherdangersbesidesthatofin ternallaxity.Itawakeneduniversalcovetousness. Sometimesthenaturalheirsofthelawfulabbot ofamonasterycameafterhisdeathandviolently seizedthemonasticlands,underpretencethatthe abbeyhadbeenthepropertyofthedeceased,and thattheyhadarighttoitsinheritance,onthesole conditionofsupportingthemonks.1Sometimes kingsandprincesinstalledthemselvesinagreat monasteryasina placeofrestandrecreation, withalltheirsurroundings,theirtrainofofficials, huntsmen,footmen,andgrooms,who,alongwith horses,hawks,anddogs,hadtobelodged,fed,and provided1 Somethingwithofasimilarvehicles,characterashasisbeenprovedseeninbythetheIrishchar-monas teriesofthefamilyofStColumbkill,wherethereweretwolinesof abbots,theonesecularandhereditary,theotherecclesiasticalandaccord ingtotherule.Seevol.iii.page287. OFTHEMONKS. 203 ters,which,whileexemptingcertainmonasteries fromthischarge,provehowhabitualandbur densomeithadbecome.1Again,therewereother kingsstillmoreexactingandformidable,whore vokedthegiftsmadebytheirpredecessors,and reclaimedthelandsgivenbythem; settingforth theirpretensionsandthecounter-pleaofthemonks beforetheWitenagemot,thedecisionsofwhich werenotalwaysinconformitywiththerightsof theweak.Thenoblesandgreatpersonages,too, oftenfollowedtheexampleofthekings—theyre claimedthelandsgiventothemonasteriesbytheir fathers,orseizeduponotherswhichlayathand, leavingtracesoftheirdepredationsinthemany actswhichenforcerestitutionmoreorlesstardy, butatthesametimeprovingthatviolenceand rapacityhadtoooftentheadvantageoverthepious munificenceofformerbenefactors. Sometimestheprelatesthemselvesabusedtheir authoritybymakingovertotheirrelativesa por tionoftheconventualpatrimony.Inshort,the localandintestinalwarswhichweresofrequentat this"periodwerewagedspeciallyattheexpenseof themonasticlands,2whichwerealwaysthebest cultivatedandthemostpopulous,andconsequently offereda richerandmoreattractivepreytothe

1 ' ' Pastusregumetprincipum,ducumetprsefectorum,exactorum, equorumetfalconum,accipitrumetcanutn. . . etomnesdifficultates regalisvelsaicularisservitii."—CodexDiplom.,n.288. * Allthesecause3oftheruinordeteriorationofmonasticpropertyare wellexplainedbyLingard,Antiquities,vol.i.p.226and253-256. 204 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE spoiler.Thisfactexplainsthesingularfluctua tionsofprosperitytowhichthemonasterieswere subject,thoughtheirperseverance,thmrlaborious andeconomicalsystem,theirpaternalcareofthe agriculturalpopulation,werealmost/alwayssuffi cienttorestoretheirimpairedfortunes.Thetwice- repeatedaccusationofStBoniface,when,inhis letterstoKingEthelbaldand-theArchbishopof Canterbury,hedistinguishesEnglandasthecountry inwhichthemonksweresubjectedtotheharshest bondage,onaccountoftheexactionsandforced labourrequiredfromthembytheroyalofficialsfor publicbuildings,ismuchlesscomprehensible.He speaksoftheseoppressionsasofa noveltyun knownundertheancientkings,andintheother countriesofChristendom; notraceofthemisto befoundincontemporarydocuments; buttheevi denceofthegreatBoniface,soattentiveanob serverofeverythingthatconcernedtheChurchin hisnativecountry,istoogravetobesetaltogether aside.1 PropertyhasbeeninEngland,aselsewhere,the conditionandguaranteeoffreedomfortheChurch aswellasforcorporationsandindividuals.But

1 "Dieiturquodprsefectietcomitestuimajoremviolentiametservitu- temmonachisetsacerdotibusirrogent,quameseterianteChristianireges fecissent."—Epist,adEthelbaldwm,No.59."Deviolentaquoquemo- nachorumservitute,operibusetsedificiisregalibus,quseintotomundo Christianorumnonauditurfacta,nisitantumingenereAnglorum: quodsacerdotibusDeinontacendumnecconsentiendumest,quodin- auditummalumestpweteritisseculis."—Epist.adCuihbertum,No.70, ed.Jaffe\ OFTHEMONKS. 205 theburdens,theabuses,theexcesses,theprivileges whichpropertybringswithit,havebeeninEngland morethananywhereelse,andatallperiods,the greatdangeroftheChurch,anditisuponthisrock thatthemonasticarkhasperished,drawingwith itinitsshipwreckthewholeCatholicChurchof England.Inthisliesaterriblemystery,aproblem ofwhichourfathersdidnotsufficientlyunderstand thegravityanddifficulty.Tosolveitwouldhave demandedfromtheheadsoftheChurch,andespe ciallyofthereligiousorders,anamountofdiscern ment,moderation,andprudence,easiertodreamof thantofind.Butthereactionwhichraisedupthe holyfoundersofmendicantorders,andwhichalways burnsinsomesouls,enamouredoftheprimitive buttransitorysimplicityofthegreatcenobitical foundations,isbuttooeasilyimaginable."My brethren,"saidthegreatestmonkofourcentury, preachingattheinaugurationofoneofhisnew establishments—"mybrethren,ifI knewthatour housewouldgrowrich,evenbyyoursavings,I shouldriseto-nightandsetfiretoit,atitsfour corners."

Fatalwealth! letusrepeatwiththisgreatman —fatalwealth,thedaughterofcharity,offaith,ofa generousandspontaneousvirtue,butthemotherof covetousness,envy,robbery,andruin! Scarcelya 206 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE

centuryhadrunsincethemodestandsoberbegin ningoftheChurchandthemonasticorderinEng land—andalreadythehonourableandundisputed voicesofsaints,suchasBonifaceandBede,are raisedtoindicatethedanger,thoughwithoutper ceivingitscause.Theleprosywasalreadythere. Inthefulnessofyouth,attheheightofhealth,the germofmortalityappeared.Thedaywastocome whenthepoisonousfruitshouldbegatheredby greedyandbloodyhands.Thedaywastocome whena monster,whoresembledatonceCaligula andHeliogabalus,aHenryVIII.,withhiscowardly courtiersanddebasedpeople,shouldarmhimself withthepretextoftheexorbitantwealthofreli giouscorporationsinordertoannihilate,anddrown inbloodandslavery,theworkofAugustin,Wil frid,andBede. IthinkIhavearighttodespisetheinsinuations ofthosewhohavedaredtoaccusemeofdesiringto absolveormitigatethecrimeofthosesacrilegious bandits—thosecowardlyspoilerswho,inEngland asinalltherestofEurope,havemadeapreyof thepatrimonyoftheChurch.Butwhowillnot regretwithmethattheChurch,whichalonehad thenecessarydiscernmentandauthority,should notherselfhavesetlimits,atasuitablemoment, totheunlimitedincreaseofwealthinthemonastic corporations% Theincreasewaslawful,natural, ofteneveninvoluntary,butdangerousandexorbi tant.TheChurchcouldandoughttohaveunder- OFTHEMONKS. 207 stoodthis.TheChurch,withhersupernatural insight,herdivineauthority,hermaternalomni potence,couldandoughttohaveforestalledthe dangerbywarningprohibitions,byajustdivision ofthesuperfluitiesofgreatordersandrichcom munities,eithertotheadvantageofthepoor,of publicbeneficence,oftheinferiorandneglected clergy,oranyothersocialserviceornecessity. Nomancansayfromwhatevilsandcrimes theworldmighthavebeensparediftheChurch, whichwasdestinedtobethechiefvictim,had beenbeforehandwiththespoilers; hadbaffled theirhatredanddisarmedtheirtreacherybytaking fromthemthisspeciouspretext; arrestingwitha prudentandsteadyhandtherisingtideofecclesi asticalwealth,andsaying,"Hithertoshaltthou come,butnofarther; andhereshallthyproud wavesbestayed."1 Disinterestednessis,aboveallothers,thevirtue ofa priest; voluntarypovertyhasalwaysbeen theunfailingsourceoftheinfluenceandpowerof monks.Inthistheyhavealwaysbeenable—they willalwaysbeable—torenewandrevivetheir strength.Itwasthisthoughtthatcomfortedthe greatsoulofMabillon,themostillustriousof modernBenedictines,inthosegenerouslamentations whichdroppedfromhispenafterthenarrativeof theconquestofEnglandbythemonks,andwhich maystillbeappliedtosomanyotherCatholic 1 Jobxxxviii.11. 208 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE

countrieswhichthescytheofVandalismhadnot yetassailedinhisday:— "Ah!ifGregoryorAugustincouldbutlive again,andseetheselandsto-day! Whata sad glancewouldtheythrowuponthefruitsoftheir wastedlabours,thescatteredstonesofthesanctu ary,thehouseofprayerchangedintotheabodeof desolation! Itisnotthatweweepthelostwealth oftheChurch; itisnotoursackedandoverthrown monasteriesthattheBenedictinesregret.No; but wegroanoverthefateofourbrethren,rentfrom thebosomoftheCatholicChurchandrootedin heresy.Godgrantthatwemightbuytheirreturn bythepriceofallthatmightoncehavebeenours. WhatwouldnottheChurchgive,whatwouldnot ourordersacrifice,togainthesoulsofourbrethren, andenrichourselvesinthepovertyofChrist!"1 ItwasfromtheBenedictineranks,purifiedby toilanda frugallife,orfromthebosomofother ordersgivenbyGodtotheChurchtodefendand consoleher,thatthenewmissionariescamewho,in theageofMabillon,returneduponEnglishsoil,a

1 "Ah! simodoinillasterrasredivivivenirentGregoriusetAngus- tinus! quibusoculisintuerenturlaborumsuornmfructusdissipatos, dispersoslapidessanctuarii,etdomosorationisfactasdomosdesolationis! NequeverolugemusamissasillicEeclesiseamplissimasopes. . . neque nosBenedictinijamdolemusmonasterianostradireptaeteversa; sed ingemiscimus,quodfratresnostrosagremioEeclesiseCatholicseavulsos etinschismateobfirmatosvideamus.Utinameessioneomniumrerum, olimnostrarum,eosadnosreditnroscompararenobisliceret! Quidni Ecclesia,quidniordonosterultrocederetbonis,olimsuis,adlucrandos fratres,cumChristuspropternosegenusfactussit,utnosejusUtopia ditaremur!"—Ann.Bened.,1.ix.c.44. OFTHEMONKS. 209 thousandyearsafterthecompanionsofAugustin andthedisciplesofColumba.Farfrombeingre ceived,astheirpredecessorshadbeenbytheAnglo- Saxonpagans,withmagnanimousandintelligent tolerance,theyhadnothingtoexpectofthePro testantEnglishbutmartyrdom,oftenprecededby thehorrorsofalengthenedcaptivity,andbytor turesunknowntosavages.Nevertheless,daily somemonkcrossedthesea,andlandeddisguised andbynightuponthesoilwhereAugustinandthe monksofMontCceliushadplantedinbroadday thecrossofJesusChrist,nowbanishedanddenied byChristianEngland.Notfarfromtheoldwasted andconfiscatedmonasteries,hebegan,attherisk ofhislife,theclandestinepracticeofthatworship whichtheenvoysofGregorytheGreathadopenly celebrated;hedistributedthebreadoflifeand truthtosomesheepofthelittleflockwhichhad survivedpersecutionsmoreatrociousandprolonged thanthoseofDeciusorDiocletian,tokeepand transmittoourfreeandhappierdaystheyetwarm ashesofthetruth.TheycamefromFrance,they camefromBelgium,Italy,andevenfromSpain,to gatherthesebloodylaurels,strivingforthemwith exilesoftheEnglishrace.Theywerediscovered, questioned,tortured,andthenmurdered,withall therefinementsofinfernalcruelty.AmongmanyaSpanish others,letusnamea Spaniard,GeorgeGervaise,tinemar- who,capturedandquestionedbythejudgesof™j^*p- MaryStuart'smiserablesonuponhisprofession, vol.v. o 210 SOCIALANDPOLITICALINFLUENCE answered,"IamaBenedictinemonk,ofthatorder whichofoldconvertedEnglandtotheChristian faith."Herenewedthisprofessionatthefootof thegibbetonwhichhewashung,andfromwhich hewastakendownbeforehehadyieldedhislast breaththathissidemightbeopened,hishearttorn out,andhisfeetcutoff,inordertoteachforeign monkswhoshouldventuretointrudeonEnglishsoil, whatsufferingsshouldpreventtheirreturntotheir nativecountry.1"But,"saystheSpanishBene dictinewhohasaddedthistaletotheglorious annalsofhisorder,"whatheartamongusdoesnot feelitselfinspiredbythisexampletosufferfor Christ,andtorepeatthesacredtext,' Howbeauti fuluponthemountainsarethefeetofthosewho carrygoodtidings,whopublishpeace.'Besides," continuestheCastilianannalist,"ifthereisany undertakingwhichbelongsaboveotherstothe orderofStBenedict,itisthemissiontoEngland, forourfathersconqueredthatislandtoChristby theirpreachingandbytheirblood.Theypossessed thereacrowdofmonasteries,illustriousamongthe mostillustriousinEurope.Whengeneralsand captainsinarmsdesiretoanimatetheirsoldiersfor thebattle,theyremindthemoftheirpastexploits, oftheirvictories,ofthegloryoftheirnation,the safetyandhonouroftheirwivesandchildren.It 1 "ComoamenacandoalosmongesdeEspafiaquenopassenaaquella isla;porqueellospadeceranloamismostormentosynotendranpies parabolverasutierra."—Yepes,CoronicaGeneraldeS.Benito,1609, vol.i.p.448. OFTHEMONKS. 211 seemstomethatourfatherBenedict,fromthe heightofheaven,speaksthustohismonks.He remindsthemthatEnglandwasbroughtwithin thepaleoftheChurchbyStGregoryandthemonk- apostlesofthatisland.Hecommandsthemonks ofallhiscongregationstoreturnthereforthe honourofreligion,thatthefaithplantedbythe handsofhissonsmaynotbebroughttonothing; nottoforgethowmanysoulssighafterreligious life; andtocarryhelptoourmother,theholy Church,socruellypersecutedbyheresy."1

Butletusturnoursaddenedeyesawayfromthat terriblefuture,sodifferent,andstillsodistant,from thetimeofwhichwehavejustspoken.Notwith standingthedangersandabuseswhich,inthein terestsoftruth,mustbeacknowledgedtohave existedfromthebeginningofmonasticmissions, longcenturiesoffaithandfervour,ofunionwith theRomanChurchandCatholicChristendom,suc ceededthebeautifulbeginningofconvertedEng land.Abundantharvestswereproducedduring thesecenturiesinthefurrowsploughedbythe disciplesofAugustinandBede.Beforeitsettled intothegreatnationwhichtheworldadmires andenvies,furnishedwiththenoblestandwisest institutionsthatmenhaveeverknown,witha literaturerichinunrivalledgenius,andpower greaterthanthatofancientRome,Englandhad 1 Yepes,I.c. 212 INFLUENCEOFTHEMONKS. tobecomethegreatbaseofoperationforthespiri tualconquestsofthePapacy,thegreatcentreof Christianmissions.ByhertheRomanChurch moved,enlightened,andsubduedthecentreand northofEurope; anditwasbyhermeansthat theGermanandScandinavianpeoples,stillplunged inthedarknessofheathenism,werebroughtinto theChristianfaith. Thefirst-fruitsofthemonasticseedsownbythe handofthegreatmonkGregoryinthebosomof theAnglo-Saxonrace,wasthegreatapostleand martyrWinifrid,whoseLatinname,Bonifacius, thebenefactor,soexactlyexpressedhisglorious career.ItwashewhowaschosenbyGodtocarry thelightoftruth,theflameoflove,thespiritof martyrdom,intothecradleofhisancestors,the depthsofthoseGermanforests,happilyimpene trablebytheenslavedRomans,fromwhencecame thefreedom,thought,andlifeofCatholicnations, andwiththesetheChristiancivilisationoftwo worlds. BOOKXV.

THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

"Qualicolombedaldisiochiamate Conl'aliaperteefermealdolcenido Volan,perl'aerdalvolerportate." Dante,In/erno,c.5. •'Indi,comoorologiochenechiami Neil'orachelaaposadiDiosurge Amattinarlosposo,perchèl'ami, Chel'unaparteel'altratiraedurge Tintinsonandoconsidocenota Che1bendispostospirtod'amorturge; Cosivid'iolagloriosaruota Moversierendervoceavoceintempra Edindolezzach'essernonpuònota Senoncolàdove'1gioirs'insempra." Paradiso,c.10. "Come,pensivenun,devoutandpure, Sober,steadfast,anddemure." Milton,Peiiseroso.

BOOKXV.

i. Conventsofwomenasnumerousandimportantasthemonasteriesof men.—ImportantpositionofwomenamongtheTeutonicraces.— ContrastwiththeRomansoftheEmpire.—AmongtheAnglo-Saxons, descendantsoftheCimbri,theinfluenceofwomenevengreaterand happierthaninothernations.—Importanceofdynasticalliances.— Anglo-Saxonqueens. TheTeutonicbarbarians,thoughlesscorruptthantheRomans,never thelessrequiredanimmenseeffortoftheChristianapostlestocon quertheirsensualexcesses.—ThedebtowedbywomentoChristianity. —TheChurchcouldonlyemancipatewomanbytheidealofChristian virginity.—Thisvirginitynowheremorehonouredthanamongthe Anglo-Saxons.—Influenceandauthorityofabbesses.Theyappearin thenationalcouncils.—Ceremonialofthesolemnbenedictionofanun.

II. Anglo-Saxonqueensandprincessesinthecloister.—Thefirstnunstrained inFrance,atFaremoutier,Jouarre,andChelles.—SaintBotulphand thetwoEastAnglianprincessesatChelles. EachdynastyoftheHeptarchysuppliesitsshareofvirgins,wives,and widows. TheNorthumbriannunsalreadywellknown,exceptBega.—Legendof thisprincess,anIrishwomanbybirth.—Perpetualconfusionofhis toryandtradition. TheAscingsorprincessesoftheKentishdynasty.—Ethelburga,Queen ofNorthumbria,afterwardsfoundressofLyminge.—HersisterEad- burga,andhernieceEanswida,foundressofFolkestone.—Thelegend ofDomnevaandherbrothers.—Thehind'srunintheIsleofThanet. —GreatpopularityofStMildred.—Legendoftheboxontheear.— Mildred'ssisters.—Milburgaandthedeadchild. TheMercianprincesses.•—TheraceofthecruelPendafurnishedthe greatestnumberofsaintsandnuns.—Threeofhisdaughtersnuns, andfourofhisgranddaughterssaints. TheUffingsofEastAnglia.—ThethreedaughtersofKingAnnawhofell inbattle.—Withburgaandhercommunityfedonhind'smilk.— ThreegenerationsofsaintsoftheraceofOdinatEly,whichhadfor itsthreefirstabbessesa QueenofNorthumbria,a QueenofKent, 216 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

andaQueenofMercia.—Wereburga,thefourthsaintedAbbessofEly, andtheshepherdofWeedon. NunsoftheraceofCerdicinWessex; thewifeandsistersofKingIna. —StCuthburga,foundressofWinbourne.—ThemonasteryofFrides- wida,aWestSaxonprincessisthecradleoftheUniversityofOxford: thekissoftheleper. III. Literary,biblical,andclassicalstudiesamongtheAnglo-Saxonnuns— chieflyatBarking,underAbbessHildelida.StAldhelmaddressesto themhisEulogyofVirginity;hisletterstoothernuns.—Winbourne, anothercentreofintellectualactivity.—AbbessTettaandherfive hundrednuns; thenovicesdanceonthetomboftheirmistress.

IV. Winbourne,adoublemonastery.—Originofthesesingularinstitutions. —TheyflourishedchieflyintheIrishcoloniesinGaul: fromthence introducedintoEngland.—Amonasteryofmenjoinedtoeverygreat abbeyofwomen,andalwaysgovernedbytheabbess.—Interdictedby ArchbishopTheodore.—Thedoublemonasteriesdisappearedafterthe Danishinvasion; resemblancetotheboys'schoolsmanagedbyyoung girlsintheUnitedStates.—Intheseventhandeighthcenturiesno disordersareremarkedinthemexceptatColdingham.—Whatwere theabusesoftheAnglo-Saxoncloisters.—Splendourofdress; at temptsuponthemodestyofthenuns,foreseenandpunishedby Anglo-Saxonlegislation.—DecreesofArchbishopTheodoreandEg bertagainstthecriminalrelationsoftheclergywithnuns; theirim portanceshouldnotbeexaggerated.

V. ThelettersofStBonifacecontainthesurestaccountsofthestateof soulsintheAnglo-SaxoncloistersAlltherewasnotcalmandhap piness.—Tenderandimpassionedcharacterofthelettersaddressedby thenunstoBonifaceandhiscompanions.—Thenotlessaffectionate answersofthemissionaries.—ThethreeBuggasandthetwoEad- burgas.—EarnestdesiretomakepilgrimagestoRome.—Grievancesof theAbbessEangythaandherdaughter.—HowStLiobabecamecon nectedwithStBoniface.—Otherletterswrittentothesaintbyhis friends: Cena,Egburga.—Lamentationofanunfortheabsenceof herbrother. VI. Excessesoffeelingvanishbeforedeath,butdeathitselfdoesnotputan endtothesweetfriendshipsofthecloister.—StGalla.—Hildaand herfriend; Ethelburgaandherfriend; thedaughtersofEarlPuch. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 217

' —Visionsoflight.—ThedaughteroftheKingofKentandthelay sisteratFaremoutier.—TheshiningshroudatBarking; theextin guishedlamp. VII. Historyhaspreservedonlythesenames,butmanyothershavedisap pearedafterglorifyingtheChurchandtheircountry.—Masculine characteroftheseAnglo-Saxonnuns: themonasticidcalunitesthe typesofman,woman,andchild. Conclusion.—ThewholeancientCatholicworldhasperishedexceptthe armyofsacrifice.—Numberandenduranceofcontemporaryvocations.

I. "HarkhowI'llbribeyou: . . . Ay,withsuchgiftsthatheavenshallsharewithyou; . . . Withtrueprayers Thatshallbeupatheavenandenterthere Eresunrise—prayersfrompreservedsouls, Fromfastingmaids,whosemindsarededicate Tonothingtemporal." Shakespeare,MeasureforMeasure.

I hadsupposedmytaskatanend; butI hear thesoundasofa choirofsweetandpurevoices whichseemtoreproachmeforhavingleftin theshadeonesideofthegreatedificewhichI haveundertakentoreconstructinthought.These voiceshavenoplaintivesound.Buttheyarefull ofasoftandoverpoweringharmonywhichhasnot beensufficientlycelebratedbeforemen.Thesouls whosesentimentstheyutterdonotcomplainof beingforgotten; itistheirchosenconditionand desire.Theyhavemadegreatersacrificesthan thatofaplaceinthememoryofmen.Strength, veiledbygentleness,isintheirverybreath.Their appearanceinhistoryis characterisedbysome thingclearandfirm,soberyetanimated,aswellas 218 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. bythatsacrificeoflifeinitsflower,whichisofall thingsintheworldthemosttouching.Theseare thedaughtersoftheAnglo-Saxonkingsandlords, andwiththem,a truenationofvirgins,volun taryprisonersoftheloveofGod,1andconse cratedtomonasticlifeincloisterswhichrivalin numberandinfluencethemonasteriesofmen,the mostimportantcentresofChristianlife. Wehavealreadyseenhow,outsidetheircom munities,andmingledinthecurrentofthe historicaleventsoftheirtime,severalofthose vigorouswomen,thosewisevirginsandspiritual warriors,havelefttheirtraceinthehistoryoftheir country.Butsuchisolatedfiguresdonotsuffice foranattentivestudyofthestateofsoulsand thingsintimessodistant.Accountmustbe madeofotherpersonagesofthesameorder,and aboveallasmuchasispossibleofthefeminine armywhichisarrayedbythesideofthosequeens andprincesses.Thecrowdmustbepenetratedin anyattempttotracethisfruitfulandpowerful branchofthemonasticfamily,andindefaultof exactandprecisedetails,whicharerarelytobe found,aneffort,atleast,mustbemadetoseizethe salientpoints,andtobringoutsuchfeaturesof theirlifeasmaytouchorenlightenposterity. And,inthefirstplace,togiveanyexactrepre sentationoftheAnglo-Saxonnunsastheyap- 1 "Thatvoluntaryprisonintowhichtheythrewthemselvesforthe loveofGod."—Bossuet,ExordeduSermonsurJesusChristcommeSujet deScandale. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 219

pearedintheirownconsciousnessandtotheeyesGreatpart playedby oftheircountrymen,theimportantpartplayedby™™nenth womenamongtheTeutonicracesmustbeborneTeutonic ° races. inmind.Nothinghadmoreastonishedthe RomansthantheausterechastityoftheGerman women;1thereligiousrespectofthemenforthe partnersoftheirlaboursanddangers,inpeaceas wellasinwar; andthealmostdivinehonourswith whichtheysurroundedthepriestessesorprophet esses,whosometimespresidedattheirreligious rites,andsometimesledthemtocombatagainst theviolatorsofthenationalsoil.2WhentheRo manworld,underminedbycorruptionandimpe rialdespotism,felltopieceslikethearchofa cloaca,thereisnobetterindicationofthediffer encebetweenthedebasedsubjectsoftheempire andtheirconquerors,thanthatsanctityofcon jugalanddomesticties,thatenergeticfamily feeling,thatworshipofpureblood,whichare foundeduponthedignityofwoman,andrespect forhermodesty,nolessthanupontheproudin dependenceofmanandtheconsciousnessofper sonaldignity.Itisbythisspecialqualitythat thebarbariansshowedthemselvesworthyofin stillinga newlifeintotheWest,andbecoming 1 "Severaillicmatrimonia: necullammorumpartemmagislauda- veris.. . . Nesemulierextravirtutumcogitationes,extraquebellorum casusputet,ipsisincipientismatrimoniiauspiciisadmonetur,venirese laborumpericulorumquesociam,ideminpace,ideminprseliopassuram ausuramque.. . . Paucissimaintamnumerosagenteadulteria." —Tacit.,DeMor.German.,c.18,19. 2 Ibid.,c.8. Cf.CBSAR,DeBell.Gall,i.50,51. 220 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

theforerunnersofthenewandChristiannations towhichwealloweourbirth. EspeciallyWhodoesnotrecallthoseCimbriwhomMarius amongthe Saxon ^a<^80mucntroubleinconquering,andwhose descend-womenrivalledthemeninboldnessandheroism1 antsof theCim-Thosewomen,whohadfollowedtheirhusbandsto thewar,gavetotheRomansalessoninmodesty andgreatnessofsoulofwhichthefuturetools ofthetyrantsandtheCsesarswerenotworthy. Theywouldsurrenderonlyonthepromiseofthe consulthattheirhonourshouldbeprotected,and thattheyshouldbegivenasslavestothevestals, thusputtingthemselvesundertheprotectionof thosewhomtheybelievedvirginsandpriestesses. ThegreatbeginnerofdemocraticDictatorshipre fused: uponwhichtheykilledthemselvesandtheir children,generouslypreferringdeathtoshame.1The Anglo-Saxonscamefromthesamedistrictsbathed bythewatersoftheNorthernSea,whichhadbeen inhabitedbytheCimbri,2andshowedthemselves worthyofdescentfromthem,asmuchbythe irresistibleonslaughtoftheirwarriors,asbythein disputablepoweroftheirwomen.Notraceofthe oldRomanspiritwhichputawifeinmanu,inthe handofherhusband,thatistosay,underhisfeet, istobefoundamongthem.Womanisa person

1 Flobus,1.iii.c.3. 2 "ProximiOceanoCimbritenent,parvanunccivitas,sedgloriain- gens.''—DeMoribusGerman.,c. 37.Jutland,Schleswig,andHolstein, fromwhencecametheJutes,Angles,andSaxons,borethenameof theCimbricChersonese. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 221 andnotathing.Shelives,shespeaks,sheacts forherself,guaranteedagainsttheleastoutrage byseverepenalties,andprotectedbyuniversalre spect.Sheinherits,shedisposesofherpossessions —-sometimesevenshedeliberates,shefights,she governs,likethemostproudandpowerfulofmen.1 Theinfluenceofwomenhasbeennowheremore effectual,morefullyjecognised,ormoreenduring thanamongtheAnglo-Saxons,andnowherewas itmorelegitimateormorehappy. FromthebeginningofChristianity,womenevery wherebecame,ashasbeenseenateverypageofthis narrative,theactiveandpersevering,aswellas daringandunweariedassistantsoftheChristian apostles; andwhentheconversionoftheracewas complete,noFredigondappeared,asamongthe Gallo-Franks,torenewtheevilbehaviourofthe Romanempresses.Ifthereexistedamongthese queensandprincessescertainviolentandcruel souls,therewasnotonewhocouldbeaccused ofloosemoralsorimmodestinclinations.The nationallegendishereinperfectaccordwith themonastic,andpopulartraditionwithhistory. FromthebeautifulRowena,sisterofthefirstcon querorHengist,tothefamousCountessGodiva—

1 Inthisrespecttherewasnodifferencebetweenthevictorsandthe vanquished.Womenhadalwaysoccupiedanimportantplaceamong theBritons,andoftenreignedandfoughtattheirhead; witnessBoa- diceaimmortalisedbyTacitus.Freewomen,marriedandpossessing fiveacresofland,votedinthepublicassembliesoftheclansortribesof Britain.—AncientLawsofCambria—ap.PalqraveandLappenbebo. 222 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. fromthedaughterofEthelbert,whocarriedthe faithintoNorthumbria,tothewifeofIna,who procuredtheconversionofherhusband—ween counter,withfewexceptions,onlyattractiveand generousfigures,inwhombeautyandmodestymeet together,andthegentlenessnaturaltowomanis alliedwithanenergywhichreachesheroism. Fromthisfactarisestheextremeimportance attachedbytheAnglo-Saxonstomatrimonialalli anceswhichunitedamongthemselvesthevarious sovereigndynasties,andthenationsortribeswhose localindependenceandgloriousrecollectionswere personifiedbythem.Theseunions,byrenewing periodicallythetiesofacommonnationality,gave totheprincessesoftheraceofOdintheofficeof mediatrixandpeacemakertoadegreewhichjusti fiesthetouchingsurnamegiventowomaninthe primitivepoetryoftheAnglo-Saxons,whereshe isdescribedasfreodowebbe,shewhoweavesthe linksofpeace.1 Thence,too,arosethegreatpositionheldbythe queensinallthestatesoftheAnglo-Saxoncon federation.Possessingacourt,legaljurisdiction,and territorialrevenueonherownaccount,2surrounded withthesamehomage,sometimesinvestedwith thesamerightsandauthorityasthesovereign, hiswifetookherplacebyhissideinthepolitical andreligiousassemblies,andhersignatureap-

1 Beowulf,verse3880. 2 Lafpenbero,vol.i.p.564. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 223 pearedinactsoffoundation,inthedecreesofthe councilsandinthecharters,sometimesfollowed bythoseoftheking'ssisters,orotherprincesses oftheroyalhouse.Sometimestheseroyalladies, associated,astheywereamongtheTeutonsof whomTacitusspeaks,inalltheirhusband'scares, labours,anddangers,gavealltheirefforts,like ErmenildaofMercia,totheconversionofa still heathenkingdom;1 sometimes,likeSexburgain Wessex,theyexercisedtheregencywithfullroyal authority,andalmostmanlyvigour.2Thereis noinstanceofawomanreigningalonebyheredi taryrightorbyelection.Butthemysteriousact whichendedthedaysoftheNorthumbrianOsthry- da,3QueenoftheMercians,remindsusthatwe areinthecountrywhereMaryStuart,thefirst whoeverlosta crownedheadona scaffold,was toprovethatwomenweretheredestinedtoallthe greatnessandallthecalamitiesofsupremepower. Atthesametimeitwouldbeastrangedelusion tosupposethatthetraditionalrespectshownby

1 Seeabove,vol.iv.p.191. 2 Sexburga,widowoftheKingofWessex,Kinewalk,wasmadeQueen- Regentbyherhusbandathisdeathin673."Necdeeratmulierispiritus adobeundaregnimnnia.Ipsanovosexercitnsmoliri,veterestenerein officio,ipsasubjeetosclementermoderari,hostibusminaciterinfremere, prorsusomniafacere,ntnihilpratersexumdiscerneres.Verumtamen plusquamfemineosanimosanhelantemvitadestituit,vixannuapotes- tateperfunctam."—Guill.Malmesb.,i.32; Rio.Cireno.,ii.40. " 3 "Asuis,idestMerciorumprimatibus,interempta."—Bede,v.24. "Crudeliternecaverunt."—Matth.Westmonast., ad.ann.696.Seein vol.iv.p.123,309,319,whatwehavesaidofher,andherdevotion toheruncle,StOswald,andherhusbandEthelred,thefriendofWilfrid, whoabdicatedtobecomeamonkatBardeney. 224 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. theTeutonicracestowoman,ortocertainwomen, wassufficientlystrongoruniversaltorestrainall theexcessesofthemostformidablepassionand mostimperiousinstinctoffallenhumanity,among theAnglo-Saxons.OfallthevictoriesofChristi anitythereisnonemoresalutaryandmoreneces sary,andatthesametimenonemorehardlyand painfullywon,thanthatwhichithasgained,gained aloneandeverywhere,thoughwithadailyre newedstruggle,overtheunregulatedinclinations whichstainandpoisonthefountainsoflife.Its divinityhereshowsitselfbya triumphwhich norivalphilosophy,noadversedoctrine,hasever equalled,orwilleveraspiretoequal.Nodoubt thebarbarians,accordingtothetestimonyofthe Fathers,weremorechastethantheRomansofthe Empire.Tosucceedinintroducingarespectfor modestyandpriestlycelibacyinthemidstofthe corruptionsofimperialRome—toraiseinthemidst oftheuniversaldebasementthetypeofvirginity consecratedtoGod—religionneededanamount ofstrength,majesty,andconstancy,whichthe terriblewrestlemaintainedforthreecenturiescould alonehavegiventoit. Neitherwasit a brieforeasyenterpriseto offerandplacetheyokeofcontinenceuponthe shouldersofa barbarousrace,inproportionas theyseizedtheirprey,andestablishedthemselves asmastersofthefuture.Itwasagloriousand painfultasktostruggledaybydayinthatter THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 225 ribleconfusion,inthedesperateobscurityofthe tempest,againstaninnumerablebandofvictors, inflamedbyallthelustsofstrengthandconquest, andpoisonedevenbycontactwiththeirvictims. Thestrugglewaslong,glorious,difficult,andtrium phant.Itwasnolongertheunnaturaldebauchery andmonstrousorgiesoftheRomanempirewhich hadtobedenounced; butthereremainedthevile andgrossinclinations,thebrutallydisordered appetitesofhumanandsavagenature.There areexcessesandcrimeswhich,thoughnotset forthinthepagesofPetroniusandSuetonius, thoughseenonlyinglimpsesthroughthearticles ofa penitentiary,thecanonsofa council,the mutilatedtextofa legendorchronicle,revealno lessgulfsofshameandsorrow.TheTeutons weremorerespectfulthantheOrientalsorRomans tothosewomenwhomtheyconsideredtheirown equalsorsuperiors; butwhoshallsaywhatwas thefateofthoseofinferiorcondition,andespe ciallyoftheunfortunateshiddeninthedreary darknessofslaveryorserfdom1 Whoshallsay whatwerethesublimeandforeverunknown effortswhichweremadebythepriestsofaGod ofpuritytowrestsomanyyoungcaptives,so manyslaveorserfgirls,fromtheharemsof princes,fromthepitilesspassionofvictorious warriors,andthetyrannicalcapricesoftheirmas ters?Godaloneknowstheseefforts,Godalone hasrewardedthem.Attentiveandsincerehistory vol.v. p 226 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. canbutnotethegeneralresult,whichwasim menseandglorious. Christiancivilisationhastriumphed,andits triumphrests,aboveall,uponrespectforthewife, virgin,andmother—thattransfiguredwomanof whomthemotherofGodhasbecomethetypeand guardianinChristiannations.1 ItisChristianitywhichhasarmedwomanwith herownweakness,andmadeofitherstrength—a strengthmoreaugustandrespectedthananyother: "whenIamweak,thenamIstrong."TheChristian religionhasbeenthetruecountryofwoman; the onlyoneinwhichshehasfoundhertruefreedom, hertruedestiny,comingoutofEgyptianbondage, escapingfrompaganism,fromsavagelife,orfrom thestillmoreshamefuldebasementofcivilised depravity.Thisalso,andthisalone,couldgivea freefieldtoallthevirtueswhicharecharacteris ticallyherown,thosewhichmakehernotonly equal,butoftensuperiortoman—generosity,the heroismofpatienceandself-devotion,suffering acceptedforthehelpofothers,victoryoverselfish ness,andthesacrificeofpridetolove.Thiswork ofatonementandsalvation,whichistheonlytrue emancipationofwoman,and,byher,ofvirtueand thesoul,hasbeentheworkoftheChurchwith theaidoftheTeutonicrace. AndtheChurchhasdonethisworkonlybyele vatingaboveandbeyondthelevelofvirtue,which 1SeeL'HistoiredeSainteElisabeth,Introduction,p.76,134. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 227 womeningeneralcanreach,thatidealofmoral virtueandbeautywhichcanberealisedonlyby virginityconsecratedtoGod.Shehasraisedthis idealabovethevirtuesmostadmiredandmost worthytobeadmiredamongtheancientnations, evenamongtheJews,wherefruitfulnesswasa woman'ssupremeglory.Shehasgivenembodi ment,discipline,law,a soul,aninextinguishable light,totheconfusednotionsspreadthroughout antiquity; shehastransformedintoasplendidand immortalarmythoselittlegroupsofvestals,sibyls, andDruidesses,whichwerescatteredthroughthe heathenworld.Respectformodesty,whichamong themostgenerousnationswastheprivilegeofa smallandchosennumber,shehasbroughttobe theinviolableinheritanceofeveryhumancreature: atthesametimeshehasmadetheprivilegedstate ofvirginityconsecratedtoGodtobethecommon dowryofChristendom,thelawfulandsupreme ambitionofthepoorestchildofthepeople,aswell asofthedaughterofkings; andforeighteencen turiesshehasdrawnfromallcountriesandcon ditions,myriadsofchasteandradiantcreatures, whohaverushedtoheraltars,bringingtheirheart andlifetoGodwhobecamemaninorderto redeemthem. OurAnglo-SaxonswrereneitherthelastnortheNopeople i n r • honours leastinstrumentsofthisglorioustransformation,virginity 0 morethan Amidalltheoverflowingsoftheirnaturalintem-theAnglo- ° Saxons. perance,theyhadpreservedtheinstinctandasense 228 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. ofthenecessityofvenerationforthingsabove: theycould,atleast,honourthevirtueswhichthey wouldnotorcouldnotpractise.Thespectator standsamazedatthecrowdofneophytesofboth sexeswhocamefromalltheracesoftheHeptarchy, tovowthemselvestoperpetualcontinence.None ofthenewChristiannationsseemtohavefurnished sogreatanumber; andamongnonedoesChristian virginityseemtohaveexercisedsopromptandso supremeaninfluence.TheyoungAnglo-Saxon womenwhogavethemselvestoGod,thoughthey wereinitiatedintothelifeofthecloisterinthe Gallo-Frankishmonasteries,whichhadtheadvan tageofbeingsoonerestablishedthanthoseofEng land,hadtoreturntotheirownislandtorealise theirownvalueintheeyesoftheircountrymen. TheAnglo-Saxonconquerorsregardedwithten derandastonishedrespectthenobledaughtersof theirrace,whoappearedtothemsurroundedby anunknown,a supernaturalgrandeur,andpower atoncehumananddivine—victoriousoverallthe passions,alltheweaknessesandlusts,ofwhich victoryhadbutdevelopedthegerms.Thisrespect soonbecameapparentinthenationallaws,which agreedinplacingunderthesafeguardofsevere penaltiesthehonourandfreedomofthoseupon whomAnglo-Saxonlegislationbestowedthetitle ofbridesoftheLordandspousesofGod.1

1 "Godesbryde."—Thorpe'sAncientLawsofEngland,vol.ii.p.188, 206,207. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 229

Whenoneoftheseholymaidensfoundherselfinfluence andau- mvested,byJ thechoiceofhercompanions,1 orthethorityofthe nominationofa bishop,withtherightofgovern-abbesses, ingandrepresentinga numerouscommunityof hercompanions,thechiefsandpeopleoftheHep tarchyaccordedher,withouthesitation,allthe libertiesandattributesofthemostelevatedrank. Theabbesses,aswehaveseenbytheexampleof Hilda,Ebba,andElfleda,hadsoonaninfluence andauthoritywhichrivalledthatofthemost veneratedbishopsandabbots.Theyhadoften theretinueandstateofprincesses,especiallywhen theycameofroyalblood.Theytreatedwith kings,bishops,andthegreatestlordsontermsof perfectequality; andastheruleofthecloister doesnotseemtohaveexistedforthem,they aretobeseengoingwheretheyplease,1present atallgreatreligiousandnationalsolemnities,at thededicationofchurches,andeven,likethequeens, takingpartinthedeliberationsofthenational assemblies,andaffixingtheirsignaturestothe chartersthereingranted.Thetwenty-thirdarticle ofthefamouslawordoomsofInasets,incertain points,notonlyabbots,butabbessesonthesame levelwithkingsandthegreatestpersonagesofthe country.2IntheCouncilofBeccancelde,heldin

1 ThereadermayrememberthemeetingappointedbytheAbbess ElfledaofWhitbywithStCuthbertatCoquetIsland,andalsothe festivaltowhichsheinvitedthesamebishoponthededicationofa churchbuiltononeofherestates.Seevol.iv.p.299,411. 2"Sihomoalienigenaoccidatur.habeatrexduasparteswer?sua)et 230 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

694bythebishopandkingofKent,thesigna turesoffiveabbessesappearinthemidstofthose ofthebishops,affixedtodecreesintendedtoguar anteetheinviolabilityofthepropertyandfreedom oftheChurch.1 Howwerethemonasteriesfilledwhosesuperiors occupiedsoelevateda rankinthespiritualand temporalhierarchyoftheAnglo-Saxons,andwhat wastheirlife\ Thisquestionitwillbebothim portantanddifficulttoanswer. Nocontemporarywriterhasleftusacomplete authenticpictureoftheinteriorofthegreatAnglo- Saxoncommunities.Noindisputabledocumentis inexistencewhichbringsbeforeusthesystemof terciampartemhabeantfiliivelparentessui.Siparentesnonhabeat, dimidiamhabeatrex,dimidiamconsocii.Siautemabbasvelabbatissa intersit,dividanteodemmodocumrege."—Thorpe'sAncientLawsand InstitutesofEngland,p.471-500,fol.ed. 1 Thisisthecouncilmentionedabove,p.149,andwhichisalsoknown underthenamesofBapchildandBeckenham: thekingwhopresidedat it,Withred,reignedthirty-threeyears.Thedecreesweregivenbythe votesoftheArchbishopofCanterbury,theBishopofRochester,"cum abbatibus,abbatissis,presbyteris,diaconibus,ducibus,etsatrapis."—■ Wilkins,Concilia,i. p.47.InColetti,vol.viii.p.79,therearefive signaturesofabbesses:— Signummanus: Mildredse,abbatissse. ,, Etheldridse,abbatissse. ,, ,, Aetse,abbatissse. ,, „ Wilnodse,abbatissse. „ ,, Hereswidse,abbatissse. TheothersignaturesarethoseofthekingandqueenWerburgafor theirinfantson,afterwardsoftwoprincesorlaylords,ofthearch bishop,thetwobishops,andsevenpriests; therearenoabbots. Kemble,vol.ii.p.198,maintainsthatallsignaturesofwomen,other thanqueens,whicharefoundattachedtocertainrarecharters,mustbe thoseofabbessessummonedtoattendassemblieswheretheremightbe questionoftheinterestsoftheircommunities.Lingard(vol.i.p.239) ismorescepticalonthissubject THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 231 rulesandcustomsfollowedbythousandsofnuns whoworetheblackrobeandveilofthespousesof theLord.Wearereducedtothescantyincidents whicharetobefoundinthehistoryofthetime, inthatofthereigningfamiliesfromwhichcame mostoftheprincipalabbesses,andspeciallyfrom thebiographiesofthemostholyormostcelebrated amongtheseillustriouswomen.Butbycontrast ingtheseincidentswiththosewhichrevealtous theoriginandresultofsimilarvocationsamong alltheotherChristiannations,bylightingthemup withthelightwhichshinesinhistory,fromthe commencementofChristianity,wearriveatapoint ofcomprehensionperhapssatisfactoryenough,but withwhichatleastwemustcontentourselves. Intheabsenceofanyexistingrecordoftheir specialrulesandcustoms,theliturgicalremainsof theAnglo-SaxonChurchrevealtousthespirit whichanimatedboththepontiffs,andthenovices bywhomthesegreatandfrequentsacrificeswere made.There,aseverywhereelse,undertheancient discipline,itwasthebishop,andhealone,who hadtherightofreceivingthefinalvowsofthe virginandofconsecratinghersolemnlytoGod. AlthoughtheIrish,withtheirhabitualrashness, permittedgirlstotaketheveilattheageof twelve,1theAnglo-SaxonChurchforbadethetak ing1 Martene,oftheirrevocableDeAntiquisEcclesicevowsRitibus,untilafterlib.ii.c.the6,twenty-vol.iii.p.

109. 232 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

fifthyearhadbeenaccomplished,inaccordance witha customwhichbegantoprevailinthe wholeChurch,andwhichwasa modificationof thedecreesofthePopeStLeoandtheEmperor Majorian,whohaddeferredtotheageofforty Ceremony^ereceptionofthesolemnbenediction.Onthe sofemn*thedayfixedforthatceremony,whichtookplaceonly benediction..i • • 1 j» . • i i • ofan attheprincipalfestivalsoitheyear,andinpre- Saxonnun.senceofanumerousassemblage,thebishopbegan byblessingtheblackrobewhichwashenceforward tobethesoleadornmentofthebrideofGod.The noviceputitoninaprivateroom,1fromwhich shecameforth,thusclothed,andwasledtothe footofthealtar,afterthereadingoftheGospel; theofficiatingbishophavingalreadybeguntosay mass.Thereshelistenedtohisexhortation; after whichheaskedfortwopublicengagementswhich wereindispensabletothevalidityoftheact: in thefirstplace,theconsentoftheparentsand otherguardiansofthenovice; andinthesecond place,herownpromiseofobediencetohimself andhissuccessors.Whenthishadbeendone helaidhishandsuponhertoblessherand consecratehertotheGodwhomshehadchosen. ThePontificalofEgbert,ArchbishopofYork,and anAnglo-SaxonmanuscriptfoundintheNorman abbeyofJumieges,havepreservedtoustheprayers usedbythebishopatthissuprememoment.The

1 "Depapilioneautlocoubibenedictasvestesinduerant,accerse- banturperarchipresbyterumvirginesconsecrandse." THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 233 maternaltendernessoftheChurchoverflowsin themwitha fulnessandmajestywhichrecalls theMeneesoftheGreekChurchtosuchadegree, thatitmighthesupposedoldArchbishopTheo dore,thecontemporaryofEgbert'smostillustrious predecessor,hadbroughtfromthedepthofAsia MinorintotheNorthumbriancapitalthisardent breathofOrientalinspiration. "MayGodblessthee,Godthecreatorofheaven andearth,theFatherall-powerful,whohaschosen theeasHechoseStMary,themotherofourLord JesusChrist,topreservethyvirginityentireand spotless,asthouhastpromisedbeforeGodand theangels.Perseveretheninthyresolutionsand keepthychastitywithpatience,thatthoumayest beworthyofthevirgin'scrown. "MayGodtheFather,theSon,andtheHoly Spiritblesstheewithallblessings,thatthou mayestremainimmaculateandperfectunderthe robeofStMary,themotherofChrist.Maythe SpiritofGod,theSpiritofwisdomandstrength, ofknowledgeandpiety,restupontheeandfill theewiththefearofGod.MayHedeignto establishthyfrailty,fortifythyweakness,con firmthystrength,governthysoul,directthy steps,inspirethythoughts,approvethyacts,com pletethyworks; mayHeedifytheebyHis charity,illuminatetheebyHisknowledge,keep theebyHismercy,exalttheebyHisholiness, strengthentheebypatience,bringtheetoobedience, 234 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

prostratetheeinhumility,encouragetheeincon tinence,teachtheefrugality,visittheeinin firmity,relievetheeinsadness,reanimatetheein temptation,moderatetheeinprosperity,soften theeinanger,protectthymodesty,correctthy sins,pardonthybackslidings,andteachthedisci plinewhichshallleadthee,stronginallvirtueand resplendentingoodworks,todoeverythingin viewoftheeternalreward! Mayestthoualways haveforthywitnessHimwhomthoushaltoneday haveforthyjudge,thatwhenthouenterestinto thebridalchamberwiththylamplightedinthy hand,thydivineSpousemayfindintheenothing impureandsordid,a soulwhiteassnow,anda bodyshiningwithpurity; sothatattheter ribledayofjudgmenttheavengingflamemay findnothingtoconsumeinthee,anddivinemercy findeverythingtocrown! Mayestthou,purified inthisworldbymonasticlife,risetothetribunal oftheeternalKingtodwellinHiscelestialpre sencewiththehundredandforty-fourthousand innocentswhofollowtheLambwhereverHegoes, singingthenewsong,andreceivingtherewardof thylaboursherebelowinthedwelling-placeof thosewholiveforever.1Blessedbethoufrom 1 "Fragilemsolidet,invalidamroboret,validamqueconfirmet,pie- tateallevet,miserationeconservet,mentemregat,viasdirigat,cogi- tationessanctasinstituat,actusprobet,operaperficiat,caritatesedificet, sapientiailluminet,castitatemuniat,scientiainstruat,fideconfirmet,in virtutemultiplicet,insanctitatesublimet,adpatientiamprseparet,ad obedientiamsubdat,inhumilitateprosternat,adcontinentiamdet fortitudinem,reddatsobriam,protegatpudicam,ininfirmitatevisitet,in THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 235 thehighestheavenbyHimwhocametodieupon thecrosstoredeemthehumanrace,JesusChrist ourSaviour,wholivesandreignsforeverwiththe FatherandtheHolySpirit." Thebishopthenplacedtheveil1 onherhead, saying,"Maiden,receivethisveil,2andmayestthou bearitstainlesstothetribunalofJesusChrist, dolorerelevet,intentationeerigat,inconversationecustodiat,inpros- peritatetemperet,iniracundiamitiget,iniquitatememendet,infundat gratiam,remittatoffensa,tribuatdisciplinam,uthisethissimilibus virtutibusfultaetSanctisoperibusillustrata,illasemperstudeasagere, qusedignafiantinremuneratione.Illumhabeastestemquemhabitura esjudicem; etaptare,utprsefulgentemgestansinmanulampadem, intraturasponsithalamumoccurrasvenienticumgaudio,etnihilinte reperiatfcetidum,nihilsordidum,nihilincultum,nihilcorruptum,nihil inhonestum,sedniveametcandidamanimamcorpusquelucidumatque splendidum; utcumdiesilletremendus,remnneratiojustorumretri- butioquemalorumadvenerit,noninveniatinteultrixflammaquoduret seddivinapietasquodcoronet,qusejaminhocsseculoconversatio religiosamundavit,uttribunalseterniregisascensuracelsapalatiacum eisderumerearisportionemquisequunturAgnum,etcantantcanticum novumsinecessatione,illicprecepturaprsemiumpostlaborem,semper- quemaneasinviventiumregioneatqueipsebenedicattedeccelis,qui percrucispassionemhumanumgenusestdignatusvenireinterrisredi- mereJesusChristus,Dominusnoster,qui,"etc.—Martene,op.eit.,p. 116. 1Theveilwassometimeswhite,asisapparentfromthefollowingser vice,DeVirgineVestienda,takenfromanIrishmanuscript,inthe LibraryofZurich,andquotedintheMwsalofArbuthnottofDrForbes, p.xiv.(Burntisland,1864):— "Oremus,fratrescarissimi,misericordiamutcunctumbonumtribuere digneturhuicpuellseN.quseDeovotumcandidamvestemperferrecum integritatecoronseinresurrectionevitseseternsequamfacturusest,oranti- busnobis,prestetDeus. "Conserva,Domine,istiusdevotsepudoremcastitatis,dilectionemcon- tinentiseinfactis,indictis,incogitationibus.Perte,ChristeJesu,qui, etc "Accipe,puellam,palliumcandidum,quodperferasantetribunal Domini." 2 "Accipe,puella,velvidua,pallium."—Martene,op.cit.,p.117. Itisevidentthattheseformulaswereusedattheconsecrationofwidows aswellasofvirgins. 236 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. beforewhombendseverykneethatisinheaven andearthandhell." Thenhecontinued: "0God,whodeignestto inhabitchasteforms,andlovestthevirginsoul; Godwhohastrenewedhumanitycorruptedbythe fraudofthedevil,andre-establisheditbythe creatingWord,soasnotonlytorestoreittoprimi tiveinnocence,buttoprocureiteverlastingposses sions,andtoraiseitfromthebosomofcreatures stillboundwiththechainsofthislife,toa level withtheangels: "LookuponThyservantherepresent,who,plac inginThyhandtheresolutiontoliveforeverin chastity,offerstoTheethedevotionwithwhich thisvowhasinspiredher.Givetoher,Lord,by ThyHolySpirit,a prudentmodesty,abenevolent wisdom,asweetgravity,achastefreedom.1How couldasoulimprisonedinthismortalfleshhave vanquishedthelawofnature,thelibertyoflicence, thestrengthofhabit,thepricksofyouth,hadst Thounotlightedinhertheflameofvirginity,didst ThounotThyselfnourishtheflamebythecourage whichThoudeignesttoinspireherwith? Thy graceisspreadthroughoutallnationsunderthe sun,whichareasmanyasthestarsinnumber; andamongallthevirtueswhichThouhasttaught totheheirsofThyNewTestament,onegiftflows fromtheinexhaustiblefountainofThygenerosity

1 "Sitinea. . . prudensmodestia,sapiensbenignitas,gravislenitas, castalibertas."—Ibid.,p.119. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 237 uponcertainpersonswhich,withoutdiminishingin anythingthehonourofmarriage,andtheblessing "whichThouhastpromisedontheconjugaltie, enablesthosehighersoulstodisdainallmortal union,toaspiretothesacramentwhichunites JesusChristtoHisChurch,topreferthesuper naturalunionofwhichmarriageistheemblemto thenaturalrealityofmarriage.Thisblessedvirgin hasknownherCreator,and,emulatingthepurity oftheangels,desirestobelongonlytoHimwhois theSpouseandtheSonofperpetualvirginity. Protectthen,Lord,herwhoimploresThyhelp,and whocomesheretobeconsecratedbyThyblessing. Letnottheancientenemywhoissoskilfultoturn asidethemostexcellentdesiresbythemostinsidi ousassaults,eversucceedinwitheringinherthe palmofperfectmaidenhood. "Grant,Lord,bythegiftofThySpirit,that shemaykeepthefaithwhichshehasswornto Thee,thatattheunknowndayofThycoming,far frombeingtroubled,shemaygoforthtomeetThee inallsecurity,andenterfreelywiththechoirof wisevirginsbytheroyalgatesofThyeternal dwelling-place."1 1 "Deuscastorumcorporumbenignushabitator.. . . Respicesuper hancfamulamtuamN.quseinmanutuacontinentisesusepropositum collocans,tibidevotionemsuamoffert,aquoetipsaidemvotumassump sit.Quandoenimanimusmortalicarnecircumdatus,legemnaturse, libertatemlicentise,vimconsuetudinis,etstimulossetatisevineeret,nisi tuhancflammamvirginitatis,vehementeraccenderestuhanccupidita- teminejuscordebenignusaleres,utfortitudinemministrares? Effusa namqueinomnesgentesgratiatua,exomninatione,quseestsubccelo, instellaruminnumerabilemnumerum,noviTestamentihseredibusadop- 238 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

Attheconclusionofthemass,thepontiffpro nounceduponthenewnuna newbenediction, whichwasturnedbytheacclamationsofthepeople intoakindofdialogue. "Send,Lord,ThyheavenlyblessinguponThy servantherepresent,uponoursister,whohumbles herselfunderThyhand,andcoverherwithThy divineprotection." Andallthepeopleanswered,Amen. TheBishop—Maysheeverfleefromsin,know anddesirewhatisgood,andwinthesacredtrea suresofheaven. People.—Amen. Bishop.—Mayshealwaysobeythedivinepre cepts,escapewiththeiraidfromtheviolentrebel lionsoftheflesh,vanquishdepravedvoluptuousness bytheloveofchastity,keepalwaysinherlamp theoilofholiness,anddelightherselfintheradi anceofeternallight. tatis,intercseterasvirtutes,quasfiliisttiisnonexsanguinibus,nequeex voluntatecarnis,seddetuospiritugenitisindidisti,etiamhocdonumin quasdammentesdelargitatistusefontedeflnxit,utcumhonoremnupti- arumnullainterdietaminuissent,etsuperconjugalemcopulamtuabene- dictionepermaneret; existerenttamensublimioresanimse,qusenoncon- cupiscerentquodhabetmortaleconnubium; sedhoceligerentquod promisitdivinumChristiEcelesisesacramentum: necimitarenturquod nuptiisagitur,seddiligerentquodnuptiisprsenotatur.Agnovitauctorem suumbeatavirginitas,etsemulaintegritatisangelicse,illiusthalamoillius cubiculosedevovit,quisicperpetuseintegritatisestsponsus,quemad- modumperpetuaavirginitatisestfilius.Implorantiergoauxiliumtuum, Domine,etconfirmarisebenedictionistuseconsecrationecupienti,dapro- tectionistusemunimenetregimen,nehostisantiquusquiexcellentiora studia,subtilioribusinfestatinsidiis,adobscurandamperfectsecontinen- tisepalmamperaliquammentisserpatincuriam,etrapiatdeproposito virginumquodetiammoribusdecetinessenuptarum."—Ibid.,p.118. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 239

People.—Arnen. Bishop.—Maysheevercarryinherhandthe sacredfire,andthusenterattheroyalgateof heaven,inthefootstepsofChrist,toliveforever withwiseandspotlesssouls. People.—Amen. Bishop.—MayHewhoseempireiswithoutend grantourprayers. People.—Amen. Bishop.—TheblessingofGodtheFather,the Son,andtheHolySpirit,restuponthee,mysister, hereafterandforever. People.—Amen.1

II.

Thenumberofbishopsbeingsosmall,andthe ever-increasingmultitudeofnunssogreat,itis doubtfulwhetherthesetouchingandsolemnser vicescouldbeusedinthecaseofallthevirgins

1 "Effunde,Domine,benedictionemccelestemsuperhancfamulam, sororemnostramN.. . . qusesehumiliavitsubdexteratua. '' Protegeeamprotectionetuadivina.Amen. "Fugiatuniversadelicta,sciatsibibonadesideriaprseparata,utregni ecelestissanctaconqniratlucra.Amen. "Pareatsemperdivinisprseceptis,utteadjuvantevitetincendiacarnis, omnemquelibidinempravsevoluptatissuperetamorecastitatis,habeatin seoleumsanctitatis,etlseteturcumlampadibussempiternis.Amen. "Gestetinmanibusfacessanctas,etapudsapientesetcastissimasani- mas,duceChristo,introiremereaturjanuamregniecelestis.Amen. "Quodipseprasstaredignetur,cujusregnumetimperiumsinefine permanetinseeculasseculorum."—Martene,op.cit.,p.121.Cf. Lingard,Antiquities,voLii.p.14. 240 THEANGLO-SAXONNDNS.

consecratedtotheLordintheAnglo-Saxonclois ters.1Butitmaybebelievedthattheywerenever omittedwhena maidenorwidowofoneofthe reigningdynastiesofthebloodandraceofOdin soughttheveilofthespousesoftheLord. Anglo- ForinEnglandaselsewhere,andperhapsmore Saxon & . . queensandthanelsewhere,thenunswereatthesametime princesses mthe 0fthehighestandofthehumblestclasses.Some cloister. ° werebornofthoseconqueringandsovereignraces whoseexploitshavebeenreviewed,inwhichthe bloodoftheMerovingianssometimesmingledwith thatoftheoffspringoftheNorseOlympus,and which,byintermarryingalwaysamongthemselves, maintainedinallitsnativepuritythecharacterof thedescendantsofOdin— "DusangdeJupiterissuesdesdeuxc6tes,"—

theysummedupinthemselvesallthattheir countrymenheldinhighestesteemasgreatness andmajesty. Butbesidethem,andsometimesabove,when placedtherebytheelectionofcommunities,ap pearsthedaughteroftheobscureSaxon,ofthe ceorl,perhapsevenoftheconqueredBriton; and othersfromastillgreaterdistanceandlowerlevel, redeemedfromslaveryandwithdrawnfromout rage,fromthestainswhichwerethetoofrequent

1 No.92oftheEzcerptionesofArchbishopEgbertrenewstheprohibi tionofPopeGelasiustogivetheveiltonunsatanyothertimethanthe feastsofEpiphany,Easter,orthefeastsoftheApostles,unlessthenovice wasdying. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 241 consequenceofcaptivity.Allmarchedunderthe samebanner,thatofsacrifice; allboreitsglorious mark.Somegaveupacrown,wealth,andgreat ness; otherstheirfamily,theirlove,theirfree dom; allhadtogiveupthemselves.Themean estinbirthwerecertainlynotthosetowhomthe sacrificewasthemostcostly.Itistooprobable thattheseAnglo-Saxonprincessesandgreatladies werenaturallyhaughtyandinsolent,hardandun kindlytotherestofmankind—insomecases bloodthirstyandpitiless,liketheheroinesofthe Teutonicepic,ChriemhildandBrunehild; and ofallthemiracleswroughtbyChristianityin England,thereis scarcelyanymorewonderful thanthetransformationofsogreata numberof suchwomen,inthenewcommunities,intodocile daughters,cordialsisters,motherstrulytenderand devotedtotheirinferiorsinageandblood. Itmustbeacknowledgedthattheobservation ofthechroniclersofthosedistantcenturiesrarely goesbeyondthequeensandprincesses,whosere ligiousvocationmusthavespeciallyedifiedand touchedthesoulsoftheircontemporaries; andwho, beautiful,young,andsoughtinmarriagebyprinces ofrankequaltotheirown,gaveuptheworldto keeptheirloveentireforGod,andtoconsecrateso manyplacesofrefugeatoncepeacefulandmag nificentforfuturegenerationsofGod'sservants. Inrespecttothemaidensofhumblerorigin,but oflifeaspureandself-devotionasdauntless,who vol.v. Q 242 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

surroundthegreaterpersonagesofourtale,wecan butfollowtheancientauthors,takingadvantage ofeveryindicationwhichthrowslightuponthe lifeandsoulofsogreatamultitude. Thequeensandprincessesrangethemselvesinto threeprincipalclasses.Theywere,inthefirst place,virginsdevotedtoGod,sometimesfromthe cradle,liketheabbessesEbbaofColdinghamand ElfledaofWhitby,whowerethedevotedfriends andprotectressesofWilfrid.Thenfollowedwives whoseparatedthemselvesfromtheirhusbands, duringtheirlifetime,andoftenmuchagainsttheir will,toembracea religiouslife: ofthisclassSt Etheldredaisthemostcelebratedexample.And, finally,widowswhoendedinthecloistera life mostlydevotedonthethronetotheactiveexten sionaswellastheself-sacrificingpracticeofthe newreligion.Wehaveseenmorethanonetouch ingexampleofthelast-namedclass—suchasthat ofQueenEanfleda,thefirstbenefactressofWil frid,who,afterthedeathofherhusbandKing Oswy,foundshelterforherwidowhoodatWhitby, andthereendedherdaysunderthecrosierofher Thefirstdaughter.ByaprivilegewhichdoeshonourtoFrance,it trainedin wasamongus,inthecountryofQueenBertha,the France. firstChristianqueenoftheAnglo-Saxons,thatthe firstEnglishnunsweretrained.Francewasthus thecradleoftheAnglo-Saxoncommunities.Inthe timeofthefirstmissionaries,whenmonasterieswere THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 243 few,manyofthenewChristiansofEnglandlearned therulesofmonasticlifeamongtheGallo-Franks, towhomtheyhadbeentaught,morethanacentury before,bythegloriousStMartin,andafterhim byStMaur,thecherisheddiscipleofStBenedict, andbyStColumbanus,theillustriouspropagator ofCelticmonachism.TheAnglo-Saxonssentor tooktheirdaughtersintoGaul,andthefirstbe ginning,inparticular,ofthegreatChristianity whichwasabouttoburstthebudinGreatBritain, seemtohavebeenspeciallypreparedandformed inthecommunitiesonthebanksoftheMarne andtheSeine,atJouarre,Faremoutier,lesAn- delys,andlateratChelles.1 Jouarre,Faremoutier,andtheneighbouringmon-Especially 6 6 atFare- asteriesformeda sortofmonasticprovince,de-moutier. pendentonLuxeuil,andoccupiedbythedisciples ofStColumbanus.2Thepiousandcourageous Burgundofara,lanoblebaronnedeBonrgogne, blessedfromherinfancybytheholypatriarchof Luxeuil,ruledatFaremoutierthegreatfoundation whichhasmadehernameillustriousfortwelve centuries.Shehadwithheranentirecolonyof youngAnglo-Saxons.Ithadbeentheintentionof Hilda,thegreatAbbessofWhitby,fromthetime whenshemadeuphermindtoleavetheworld,3

1 "MultideBritanniamonachicseconversationisgratia,Francornm velGalKcorummonasteriaadiresolebant; sedetAliassuaseisdemerudi- endasacsponsoccelesticopulandasmittebant."—Bede,1.iii.c.8. * Seevol.ii.p.494,501. 3 SeevoLiv.p.59.BedesaysthatitwasatChellesthatHereswida 244 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. toleadaconventuallifeinoneofthecloisterson thebanksoftheMarne,wherehersister,Hereswida, theQueenofEastAnglia,evenbeforeshebecame a widow,hadsoughtanasylum,andwhereshe endedherlifeinthepracticeofthemonasticrule.1 However,itwasnottheNorthumbriansalone— asmighthavebeenexpectedfromtheconnection whichlinkedtothegreatCatholicapostlesofcon vertedFranceacountryitselfconvertedtoChris tianitybyCelticmissionaries—whothussought thespiritualdaughtersofStColumbanus.The youngprincessesanddaughtersofthegreatlords belongingtothekingdomofKent,whichwasex clusivelyconvertedbyRomanmissionaries,showed asmuch,orevengreatereagerness.Thegreat- granddaughterofthefirstChristiankingofthe Anglo-Saxons,Earcongotha,addedanewlustreto thecommunityofFaremoutierbytheholinessof herlifeanddeath.Shewas,saysBede,avirginof greatvirtue,worthyineverythingofherillustrious becameanun.Pagi,inhiscriticismonBaronius(adann.680,c.14to 20),maintainsbyargumentstoolongtobequotedthatBedeandMa- billonwerebothmistaken,oneinsupposingHereswidatohavebeenanun atChelles,andtheotherinthinkingthatHildajoinedherthere.He provesthattherewasnotraceofthetwosisterseitherinthearchivesor calendarsofChellesbefore1672,theepochwhenthecommunityobtained fromHarlay,ArchbishopofParis,bymeansofthefamouscasuistSt Beuve,authoritytocelebratethefeastofStHildaonthe27thofNovem ber,andtoinscribethenameofStHereswidaonthecalendarofthe sacristyatthedateofDecember9. 1 "IneodemmonasteriosororipsiusHereswid,materAldulfiiregis orientaliumAnglorum,regularibussubditadisciplinis,ipsotemporecor- onamexpectabatseternam."—Bede,iv.23.Pagithinksshebecamea nunsevenyearsbeforethedeathofherhusband,butwithhisconsent. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 245 origin.1EastAngliapaidalsoitscontributionto thepowerfulfoundationofthenobleBurgundofara. TwosistersofEtheldreda,whosestrangestoryhas beenalreadyrecorded,governedinsuccession,not withstandingtheircharacterofforeigners,theGallo- FrankishAbbeyofFaremoutier,whiletheirsister foundedthegreatestconventofnunswhichhad yetbeenseeninEngland.2Tencenturieslater anotherforeignprincess,whohadbeenreceivedat Faremoutier,andwhosememoryhasbeenmadeim mortalbythegeniusofBossuet,gavehimanocca siontosoundthepraisesofthisfamoushouseina languagewhichwasperhapsmoreapplicabletothe communityoftheseventhcenturythantothatof theseventeenth."InthesolitudeofSainte-Fare— asmuchseparatedfromallworldlywaysasits blessedpositionnowseparatesitfromalltraffic withtheworld; inthatholymountainwherethe spousesofJesusChristrevivethebeautyofancient days,wherethejoysofearthareunknown,where thetracesofworldlymen,ofthecuriousand wandering,appearnot—undertheguidanceofthe holyabbess,whogavemilktobabesaswellas breadtothestrong,thebeginningofthePrincess Annewasveryhappy."3 1 "Utcondignaparentisoboles,magnarumfuitvirgovirtutura,serviens Dominoinmonasterioquod. . . constructionestababbatissanobilis- sima,vocabuloFara."—Bede,iii.8. 2 "Ssethryd,filiauxorisAnnseregis. . . etfilianaturalisejusdem regisjEdilberg,quseutraque,cumessetperegrina,prsemeritovirtutum . . . estabbatissaconstituta."—Ibid.Cf.Bolland,voLii.July,p.481. 3 OraisonFuitibredelaPrincessePalatine,AnnedeGonzague. 246 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

TheillustriousabbesswhomQueenBathilde, herselfanAnglo-Saxonbybirth,placedinthe celebratedMonasteryofChelleswhenshere-estab lishedit,sawhercommunityincreasedbyacrowd ofnunswhomthefameofhergreatqualitiesand tenderkindnessattractedfromtheothersideof theChannel.Christiansofbothsexesfeltthe powerofthisattraction,fortherewereatChelles asmanyAnglo-Saxonmonksasnuns.Every thingprosperedsowell,everythingbreatheda pietysoactive,fervent,andcharitable,thatthe kingsoftheHeptarchy,movedbytheperfumeof virtueandgoodfamethatrosefromthedouble monasterypeopledbytheircountry-folks,emulated eachotherinprayingtheAbbessBertiletosend themcoloniesfromhergreatbee-hivetooccupy newfoundationsinEngland.1 BotuiphInthiswayprobablycameBotulph,whomwe twoEasthavealreadymentioned,andwhowastheoneof princesses.AnglianWilfrid,s contemporaries. mostactively. engagedin

theextensionofmonasticinstitutions.2Beforehe wasrestoredtohisnativesoil,hehadinspiredwith alivelyanddeepaffectionforhimselftwoyoung

1 "Cujusconversatiosobriaetbenignissimaadvocavitplurimasfidel- iumanimasfeminarumimmoqueetvirorum.Necsolummodoexvicina provincia,sedetiamextransmarinispartibus,sanetaehujusfeminsefelici famapereurrente,adeamrelictisparentibusetpatriacumsunimoamoris desiderio. . . festinabant.. . . EtiamatransmarinispartibusSaxonise regesillifidelesabeapermissospostulabant. . . quivirorumetsancti- monialumccenobiainillaregioneconstruerent."—VitaS.BeHilce,c.5, 6,ap.Mabillon,Act.SS.0.S.B.,seevol.iii.p.20. 2 Seevol.iv.p.459. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 247

Anglo-Saxonprincesseswhohadbeensentto France,whenscarcelymorethaninfants,tolearn monasticlife.Theylovedinhim,wearetold,not onlyagreatmasterinholyandchasteliving,but stillmoretheircountryman,ateacheroftheirown countryandrace.Whentheyknewthathewas abouttoreturntoEngland,theywereoverwhelmed withsadness,theironlyconsolationinwhichwasto recommendhimwithalltheirmighttotheiryoung brother,whowasking,itisnotknownwhere, undertheregencyofhismother; afterwhichthere isnomentionoftheminhistory.1Thetouching imageofthesetwoyoungcreaturesappearsinhis toryonlytobearwitnesstothefaithfulnessoftheir patriotisminthepiousexilewhichwasimposed uponthem.Itisasentimentofwhichweshall findmanytracesamongtheAnglo-Saxonnuns.

ButamongthefirstnunsoftheHeptarchywereWerethere in i •• /-ii • • • Celticnuns therenot,inthefirstplace,virginsofCelticorigin,amongthe . Anglo- fromScotlandorIreland,likethemonk-mission-Sa*ons? arieswhoselabourshavebeensetforth? Nothing is moreprobable,thoughthereis nopositive proofoftheirexistence.Itwouldbeimpos siblefromthispointofviewtopassinsilencea 1 "Erantincodemmonasterio. . . sororesduseEdelmundiregis. . . diligebantqueprcecipuumpatremBotulfumsicutdoctoremsanctitatiset castimonise,etplurimum6bstudiumgentissuse.Adhucsiquidemten- elluUemisssefuerantultramareaddiscendaminmonasterialigymnasio disciplinamccclestissophiee.VidentesbeatumaddilectumDoctorem vellerepatriare,mcerentesmandataimponuntprseferendaregietfratri."— VitaS.Botulfi,ap.ActaSS.0.S.B.,sa-c.iii.vol.iii.p.3. 248 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

holyprincesswhosenameisstillpopularinthe northofEngland,andwhohasbeenlongconcluded bytheannaliststobeofIrishorigin,while,atthe sametime,theyrecogniseinhertheinstructressof thewomenandmaidensofNorthumbriainmonas- ;endof ticlife.Tothewestofthisdistrict,inthecounty whichwenowcallCumberland,uponapromontory bathedbythewavesoftheIrishSea,andfrom whichinclearweatherthesouthernshoreofScot landandthedistantpeaksoftheIsleofManmay beseen,areligiousedificestillbearsthenameand preservestherecollectionofStBega.1Shewas, accordingtothelegend,thedaughterofanIrish kiug,themostbeautifulwomaninthecountry,and alreadyaskedinmarriagebythesonoftheKing ofNorway.Butshehadvowedherself,fromher tenderestinfancy,totheSpouseofvirgins,andhad receivedfromanangel,asasealofhercelestial betrothal,abraceletmarkedwiththesignofthe cross.2Onthenightbeforeherweddingday,while theguardsofthekingherfather,insteadofkeep-

1 InEnglish,StBees.Thisisthenamestillbornebythepromontory surmountedbyalighthouse,andsituatedalittlesouthofWhitehaven. Belowthesouthernslopeofthepromontory,andshelteredbyitsheight fromthesea-breezes,inthemidstofagroupoffinetrees,standsthe Priory,builtbyRaouldeMeschinesin1120,andrestoredin1817,tobe usedasanEnglishChurchcollege.Thereremainstillsomeprecious relicsofthebuildingsofthetwelfthandthirteenthcenturies,andeven, accordingtosomeantiquaries,oftheSaxonedificedestroyedbythe Danes,whichprecededtheNormanfoundation. 2 "Accipe,inquit,eulogiumistudaDominotibimissum,quoteilli subaratam(sic)agnoscas.Poneergoilludsicutsignumsupercor tuumetsuperbrachiumtuum,utnullumadmittasprateripsum." Cf. Cantic.viii.6. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 249 ingwatch,asusual,withsabresattheirsideand axesontheirshoulders,were,liketheirguests,deep intherevel,sheescapedalone,withnothingbutthe braceletwhichtheangelhadgivenher,threwher selfintoa skiff,andlandedontheoppositeshore, inNorthumbria,whereshelivedlongina cellin themidstofthewood,unitingthecareofthesick pooraroundwithherprayers.1Fearofthepirates whoinfestedthesecoastsledher,aftera while, fartherinland.Whatthenbecameofher1 Here theconfusion,whichissogeneralinthedebatable groundbetweenlegendandhistory,becomesnearly inextricable.Wasitshewho,underthenameof He'iu,ispointedouttousbyBedeasthewomanto whomBishopAldan,theapostleofNorthumbria, gavetheveil,andwhomheplacedattheheadofthe firstnunnerywhichhadbeenseeninthenorthof EnglandV Orwasitshewho,underthenameof Begu,afterhavingabdicatedthedignityofabbess, livedforthirtyyearsa humbleandsimplenun inoneofthemonasteriesundertheruleofthe greatAbbessofWhitby,Hilda,whoseintimate 1 "Eratspeciosaformaprsecunctisfiliabusregionisillius.. . . Virgo armillamsupersefereindesinenterportavit.. . . Indulgebantcalicibus epotandispotentesadpotandumetvirifortesadmiscendamebrietatem. . . . PluresexfortissimisHyberuiseambiebanttotumpalatiumetunius- cujusquesicasuperfemursuumetbipennissuperhumerumetlanceain manuejus.. . . Paterejus. . . inventamreduceret,etreductamplagis vapularetmultis.. . . OmniaclaustraadtactumarmillseclavisDavid virginiegregiseegredientiaperuit....Inlocotunctemporissatisne- morososecuslitusmarispositocellamvirgineamsibiconstruxit."— VitceS.BegceetdeMiraculisejusdem,ed.Tomlinson(Carlisle,1842), p.46-53. 2 Seevol.iv.p.58. 250 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. friendshebecame,aswellasherdaughterin religionI1 Thesearequestionswhichhavebeen longdisputedbythelearned,andwhichitseems impossibletobringtoanysatisfactoryconclu sion.2Whatiscertain,however,is,thatavirgin ofthenameofBegafiguresamongthemostwell- knownandlongveneratedsaintsofthenorth-west ofEngland.Shewascelebratedduringherlife timeforherausterity,herfervour,andananxiety forthepoorwhichledher,duringthebuildingof hermonastery,topreparewithherownhandsthe foodofthemasons,andtowaituponthemintheir workshops,hasteningfromplacetoplacelikea beeladenwithhoney.3Sheremaineddowntothe middleages,thepatronessofthelaboriousand 1 Bede,Hist.Eccles.,iv.23. 2 Mostancientauthorsbelievedthis.TheBollandiststhemselves (vol.ii.Sept.,p.694)seemtoadmitit,thoughtheyseemtohavehadno knowledgeoftheLifeofthesaint,writtenbythemonksofStBees,and whichisfoundedentirelyonthisbelief.TheVita8.BegasetdeMira- culisejutdem,whichwaspublishedforthefirsttimein1842,fromaMS. intheBritishMuseum,byMrTomlinson,inthecollectioncalledCar lisleHistoricalTracts,shouldnot,however,inouropinion,counter balancethecontemporarytestimonyofBede.Thelatter,alwayssocare fultonoticetheScottishoriginofthepersonagesofhisnarrativewhen everthereisoccasion,remainssilentastothatofthefirstNorthumbrian nun; andthetwopassagesofthesamechapter(iv.23),wherehespeaks ofHei'u,foundressofHartlepool,andofBegu,pontemporarywiththe deathofHilda,seeminnowaytopointtothesameperson.TheRev. FatherFaber,inhisLifeofStBega,publishedwhilehewasstillan Anglican,in1844,seemstoholdthattherewereatleasttwosaints whoseactsareconfoundedtogether,andtakescaretodeclarethathisnar rativedoesnotpretendtohistoricalaccuracy.Wordsworthdedicated, in1833,someofhisfinestversestothestillpopularmemoryoftheIrish saint,andoftheplaceswhichbearhername. 3 "Inofficinismonasteriiconstruendis. . . manusuaciboscoquens parabat,artificibnsapparebat,velutapismellificans,currensetdiscurrens ministrabat."—-VitaS.Bcgh.,p.55. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 251 oftenoppressedpopulationofthedistrict,inwhich traditionpresentshertousasarrivingaloneandfear lessonaforeignshore,flyingfromherroyalbride groom.Inthetwelfthcenturythefamousbracelet whichtheangelhadgivenherwasregardedwith tenderveneration: thepiousconfidenceofthe faithfulturneditintoarelicuponwhichusurpers, prevaricators,andoppressorsagainstwhomthere existednootherdefence,weremadetoswear,with thecertaintythataperjurycommittedonsodear andsacredapledgewouldnotpassunpunished. ItwasalsotoBegaandherbraceletthattheculti vatorsofthesoilhadrecourseagainstthenewand unjusttaxeswithwhichtheirlordsburdenedthem. InvaintheScottishrievers,ortheprepotentsofthe country,treadingdownundertheirhorses'feetthe harvestsoftheCumbrians,madelightofthecom plaintsandthreatsofthevotariesofStBega. "Whatisthegoodoldwomantome,andwhat harmcanshedome?"saidone."LetyourBega come!"saidanother—"lethercomeanddowhat evershelikes! Shecannotmakeoneofourhorses casttheirshoes."1Soonerorlaterdivinevengeance 1 "ProtuleruntinmediumS.Begsevirginisarmillam,quiaconfidebant inultumnonprseterireperjuriumsuperillamperpetratum.. . . Versaba- tur,illotemporecontroversiaintereosquidominabanturterrsedeCou- pelandia,ethominessubditossibi,superquadamconsuetudinequaboves solebantdominispensari.. . . Impetebanturhominesetcogebanturplus redderequamarbitrabantursesolveredebere.. . . "' Quidminifacerepoteritvetulailla?' etmanumadsecretiorespartes natiumadmovens: 'Hie,hie,inquit,sagittabitme.' . . . Quidamautem adolescentulussagittam. . . jaciens. . . percussitiliuminfonticulo fondamenti,quemipsemanusuadesignaverat.. . . ' VeniatBega,ven 252 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

strucktheseculprits; andthefameofthechastise mentssentuponthemconfirmedthefaithofthe peopleinthepowerfulintercessionofherwho.six hundredyearsafterherdeath,stillgaveaprotection soeffectualandenergeticagainstfeudalrudeness,to thecaptiveandtotheoppressed,tothechastity ofwomen,andtherightsofthelowly,uponthe westernshoreofNorthumbria,asdidStCuthbert throughouttherestofthatprivilegeddistrict.1 confusionInproportion,however,asthedetailsofthelives between historyandofkobTnunsmEnglandareinvestigated,thediffi cultyoftracingthelineofdemarcationbetween historyandlegendbecomesmoreandmoreevident. Butafterallletusnotlamenttoomuchoverthis confusion.Truehistory—"thatwhichmodifies souls,andformsopinionsandmanners"2—isnot producedsolelyfromdatesandfacts,butfromthe ideasandimpressionswhichfillandswaythesouls ofcontemporaries; translatingintofacts,anec-

« iat,etquodpotestfaciat.'"—De.Miraculis,p.68,69,62,66. Thereis acuriouspassageinthiswork,p.63,astotheterrorwithwhich,inthe twelfthcentury,theScottishmaranderswereinspiredbythoseEnglish arrowswhichwereafterwardssofataltotheFrenchnoblesinthegreat battlesofthefourteenthcentury. 1 Seeabove,vol.iv.p.424.ThenarrativeofStBega'smiraclesis clearlyofthesameperiodandconceivedinthesamespiritastheLi- bellusdeAdmirandisBeatiCuthbertiVirtutibus.Themostpopularof thesemiraclesandthatbestrememberedinthecountry,remindsusof theonecommemoratedatRomeonthefestivalofStMaryoftheSnow, the15thofAugust.Afallofsuow,inthemidstofsummer,marked exactlythedisputedpossessionsofthemonastery,thesamewhichhad beentheoriginaldomainofthesaint.Comparethetextpublished byTomlinson,p.64,andthetraditionpreservedintheMSS.ofthe ChapterofCarlisle,ap.NotesonStBega,p.15. s Littre,JournaldesSavants,November1862. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 253 dotesandscenes,thesentimentsofadmiration, gratitude,andlovewhichinspirethemforbeings whomtheybelievetobeofa superiornatureto themselves,andwhosebenefitsandexamplesur vivetheravagesoftimeandhumaninconstancy. Wemustthenmakeupourmindstomeetwith thisconfusionthroughtheentireseriesofour narratives,whichareintendedtogivea pictureof thefaithandpassions,thevirtuesandvices,ofthe newChristiansofEngland,ratherthantotracein methodicalandchronologicalsuccessionthecourse ofuncertainorinsignificantevents.Letour readersbecontentedwithourassurancethatwe willneverpermitourselvestopresenttothem, undertheguiseoftruth,actsorwordswhichare notofundisputedcertainty. weTohaveputgleanedsomesortontheofordersubjectintoofthetheAnglo-SaxonnoteswhichwhosetheDivisionnuns,Wo-of °< J ° graphies nuns,itwillbewelltoarrangethemaccordingtohavebeen ° preserved, theprincipaldynasties,orfamiliesandcountries^ct°hr^?_ fromwhichhadissuedallthosenoblewomensode-^which votedtoGod,StPeter,andStBenedict,whohave'prang, gainedaplaceonthealtarsofCatholicEngland. IdonotthinkIhaveanythingtoaddtowhatTheNorth- umbrians. hasalreadybeensaidinrespecttotheNorthum brianprincesses,descendantsofEllaandIda,the ManofFireandtheRavager.Theholyand powerfulabbesses,HildaofWhitby,EbbaofCol- dingham,Elfleda,thedaughterofOswy,whowas dedicatedtoGodfromherbirthasa ransomfor 254 THEANGLO-SAXONNDNS.

theliberationofhercountry,hermotherEan- fleda,whoonbecominga widowenteredthe abbeyofherdaughter—theseoften-repeatednames cannothaveescapedthememoryofourreaders. Letusaddonly,accordingtoatradition,ancient andwidelyspread,1thoughdisputedbymodern learning,thatthethreesonsofOswywhoreigned overNorthumberlandin succession,andwho havebeensooftenmentionedinthelifeofWil frid,wereallthreeforsakenbytheirwives,whode terminedtoconsecratethemselvestoGod;though doubtlessthetwoprincessesmarriedtotheelder andyoungeroftheseprincesneitheroccasioned thesamestrugglenorwonthesamefameastheir sister-in-lawLetusthenStpassEtheldreda,tothetheprincesseswifeofKingoftheEgfrid.most

ancientAnglo-Saxondynasty,thefirstconverted toChristianity,thatoftheA.scingswhoreigned overThethefirstJutesandinmostthekingdomhistoricaloffigureKent.whichwe

meetinthecloisteramongthedescendantsof HengististhatofthegentleanddevotedEthel- burga,whoselifeislinkedsocloselywiththehistory ofthebeginningofNorthumbrianChristianity.2 ShewasthedaughterofthefirstChristiankingof SouthAnglia,andmarriedthefirstChristianking

1 Thistradition,acceptedbyPagi(ubisupra)fromWilliamofMalmes- bury,Alford,andmanyothers,isdisputedbytheBollandistsasregards thetwoprincessesmarriedtothetwobrothers,Alchfridthefriend,and Aldfridtheenemy,ofWilfrid. 2 Seevol.iii.p.434,454. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 255 oftheNorth,Edwin,whoseconversionwasso difficult,whosereignwassoprosperous,andhis endsoglorious.Aftertherapidruinofthatfirst NorthumbrianChristianitywhichshe,alongwith BishopPaulinus,hadbegun,QueenEthelburga, receivedwithtendersympathybyherbrother,the KingofKent,caredfornoothercrownbutthatof holypoverty.SheobtainedfromherbrothertheEthel- giftofanancientRomanvilla,situatedbetweenfounderof n 1 t i i • Lyminge. Canterburyandthesea,onthecoastopposite France,andtherefoundedamonastery,whereshe herselftooktheveil.Shewasthusthefirstwidow ofSaxonracewhoconsecratedherselftomonas ticlife.Theoldchurchofhermonastery,called Lyminge,stillexists.Theburying-placeofthe foundress,whopassedtherethefourteenlastyears ofherlife,andwho,daughterofthefounderof CanterburyandwidowofthefounderofYork,was thusthefirstlinkbetweenthetwogreatcentres ofCatholiclifeamongtheAnglo-Saxons,isstill shown.1 Weshalladdnothingtowhathasbeenalready saidinrespecttothedaughterofEthelburga,first QueenofNorthumberland,andthenanunlikeher mother,21 Itisbelievednorthatofherremainsgranddaughter,oftheRomanbuildingstheAbbesshavebeenEl-dis

coveredincertainportionsofthepresentchurchofLyminge.Thetomb ofStEthelburgawassituatedunderabuttressatthesouth-eastofthe choir.—Rev.E.C.Jenkins,AccountoftheChurchofStMaryandSt EadburghinLyminge; LondonandFolkestone,1859.Cf.Gentleman's Magazine,August1862. 2 Seevol.iv.p.48,134,andgenealogicaltablesAandB. 256 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

fleda,theamiablefriendofStCuthbert,andgen erousprotectressofStWilfrid.1Butshehada sister,namedEadburga,whowasa nunwithher atLyminge,andwho,buriedbyhersideinthe monastery,wasveneratedalongwithheramong thesaintsofEngland.2Herbrother,who,like hisfather,marriedaFrankishprincess,3thegreat- granddaughterofClovisandStClothilde,peopled withhisdescendantstheAnglo-Saxon,andeven foreignmonasteries.Withoutspeakingofhis granddaughters,Earcongotha,whobecame,ashas beenformerlysaid,AbbessofFaremoutierinFrance, andErmenilda,QueenofMercia,whomwehave alreadyseen,andshallmeetagainfurtheronamong theabbessesofEly,4thissecondChristiankingof themostancientkingdomoftheHeptarchyhada daughtercalledEanswida,who,educatedbythe RomanmissionariesatCanterbury,receivedfrom Eanswida,themtheveilofthebridesofGod.Shedistin- Foike-guishedherselfbythefoundationofamonastery, which,withtrueRomanspirit,shededicatedto StPeter,andofwhichshewasthesuperior,at Folkestone,ontheheightsofthosewhitecliffs crownedbygreenpasturage,whichattractthe firstglanceofthenumberlesstravellerswhomthe

1 Seevol.iv.p.298,410. a Bolland,Act.SS.,Feb.,vol.ii.p.383,andvol.iii.p.690. 3 Emma,daughterofClotaireII.—Boll.,vol.viii.Oct.,p.90. 4 TheywerebothdaughtersofKingErcombertandStSexburga, shewhowasAbbessofElyafterhersisterEtheldreda.Seegenealogical tableD. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 257 rapidprowsofourdaydepositatthatspotupon theEnglishshore. Legendsofallkindshaveaccumulatedroundthe nameofthisyoungandholydescendantofHengist andClovis; thegapsinherauthentichistoryare filledbyincidentswhichshowtheideaformedby theAnglo-Saxonsofthesupernaturalpowerwith whichamonasticvocationinvesteda daughterof thesovereignrace.Herfather,itwastold,pro posedtomarryher,likeheraunt,toaNorthumbrian prince,whowasstilla heathen.Sheobstinately refused.KingEadbalddidnotattempttoforce her; buthersuitorcamewithhistraintourge hissuitinpersonatatimewhenshewasherself superintendingthebuildingofherfuturecloister. Shesenthimawaywithoutpity,defyinghimto lengthen,bytheaidofhisfalsegods,arafterwhich wastooshort,whichsheherselfsucceededindoing byprayingwithallhermighttothetrueSaviour oftheworld.Assoonasshewasinstalledinher monasteryshemadeit,afterthefashionofallthe religiousfoundationsofthetime,a greatagricul turalestablishmentaswellasanasceticsanctu aryandaliteraryschool.There,accordingtothe populartale,shetamedflocksofwildgeesewhich spoiledherharvests,andwhichherservantsstole fromherpoultry-yardandatetohergreatdisplea sure; withthetipofhercrosiersheduga canal tobringtothemonasterya streamoffreshwater whichwaswanting.Shediedyoungin640: her vol.v. R 258 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

abbey,whichwasbuilttooneartheseaonanover hangingrock,wasswallowedupbythewaves; 1 butthememoryofthisdaughteroftheconquering race,herselfconqueredbytheloveofGodandher neighbour,longsurvivedintheprayersofthe faithful.2Morethansixhundredyearsafterher death,a powerfulAnglo-Normanbaronrenewed theBenedictinefoundationoftheAnglo-Saxon princess,dedicatingthechurchtoStPeterandSt Legendof Eanswida.3AnotherbranchoftheposterityofHengist,

Domneva andher issuedfroma youngbrotherofEanswida,who brothers. J ° ' diedbeforehisfather,4hasalsobeentakenposses sionofbylegendarylore.Thisprincelefttwo sonsandfourdaughters; thelatterwereallnuns, andreckonedamongthesaints.5Histwosons6 wereveneratedasmartyrs,accordingtothegeneral ideaofthetime,whichregardedasmartyrdom everykindofviolentdeathenduredbytheinno cent.Theywereassassinatedbya thanenamed Thunnor,whothusattemptedtodoapleasureto KingEgbert,thefourthsuccessorofStEthelbert, 1 "ARomanismonachisvelatamesse,nullumdubiumest,etmonas- ticuminstitutumabeisdemedoctam.. . . Oratoriumsuumrupibus suspensum,marisupereminens."—Boll., vol.iv.August,p.685,686. 2 TheBollandistshavepublishedafragmentofheroffice. 3 Thisbaron'snamewasJohndeSegrave,andhiswife'sJulianade Sandwich.—Stevens,i.399,ex.Weever,p.270. 4 HewascalledErmenifred,andhisdeathleftthethroneofKentto hisbrotherErcombert,thethirdChristianking,fatherofKingEgfrid, andofthesaintsEnnenildaandEareongotha.SeegenealogicaltableB. 4ErmenbergaorDomneva,Ermenburga,Etheldreda,andErmen- gytha. 6 EthelbertandEthelred. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 259

byfreeinghimofyoungcousinswhomightbecome dangerouscompetitors.1Thelegendhererisesto therankoftruepoetry,andatthesametimeem bodiestruemorality,asisalmostalwaysthecase. Inavainattempttohide,itsays,thebonesofhis victims,theassassinburiedtheminthepalaceof theking,andevenunderthethroneonwhichhe satonfestiveoccasions;2butasupernaturallight cametodenouncethecrime,shiningupontheun knowntomb,andrevealingittothedevotionof thefaithful.Theking,amazedandabashed,had toexpiatethecrimewhichwascommitted,ifnot byhisordersatleasttohisadvantage.Supported bythepopularclamour,thetwoillustriousforeign monks,whowerethenthechief-justicesandpeace makersofthecountry,Theodore,theArchbishop ofCanterbury,andtheAfricanAdrian,abbotof StAugustin,8intimatedtohimthathemustpay thepriceofblood—thatistosay,thecompensa tionordainedbyallTeutoniclaws—toasisterof thevictims,andthatallthemorethatthissister, calledDomneva,wasmarriedtoaMercianprince, sonofthesavageandunconquerablePenda.4This ransomofbloodwastotaketheformofaterri- 1 Bedesaysnothingofallthis; butithasbeenrelatedwithmoreor lessofdetailbyallthemorerecentauthorities,WilliamofMalmesbury, SimeonofDurham,MatthewofWestminster,andaboveallThorne,in hisChronicleoftheAbbeyofStAugustinatCanterbury.Cf.Lappen- berg,i.239,andThomasopElmham,whogivesaverydetailedver sion,p.209to239oftheneweditionissuedbyHardwieke. 2 "Inaularegia,subregiacathedra."—Matth.Westmonast.,p.14. 3 SeetheirpartinthehistoryofWilfrid,vol.iv.p.197. 4 SeegenealogicaltablesBandC. 260 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

torialgiftforthefoundationofa monasteryin whichvirginsconsecratedtoGodshouldforever Thecoursesupplicatedivinepardon.Domnevaaskedforas inthe muchlandasatamedoewhichbelongedtoher, islandof ° Thanet.couldrunroundinonecourse.Thespotwasthe islandofThanet,atthemouthoftheThames, wheretheirancestorHengistand,twocenturies . later,StAugustin,hadlanded; andwhichwas doublydeartothenationastheplaceatwhich theSaxonoccupationbeganandChristianityfirst appearedamongthem.Itwas,besides,a very fertilespot,theflowerandjewelofthecountry,a sortofterrestrialparadise.1KingEgbertconsented tothisarrangement,andthepartiesmetonthe ground.Thedoewasletloose,andthekingand hiscourtfolloweditwiththeireyes,whenthevillain Thunnorarrived,cryingoutthatDomnevawasa witch,whohadbewitchedthekingtomakehim giveuphisfairlandstotheinstinctofa brute. Then,beingonhorseback,hepursuedthedoetostop her; butinhiswildcareerhecametoawell,in whichhewasdrowned,andwhichhaseversince beencalledThunnor'sleap?Thedoe'scourse

1 "PostsororemeorumDompnenammisit,utipsainterfectionis pretiumreciperet.. . . Venitrextristis,veniampetiit. . . Respondit Dompnena: Quantumcervameadomesticaunoimpetupercurrere poterit.. . . Emissacervacurritvelociter,aspicienteregecumsuis hilarivultucursumcervse.. . . Insulaarridensbonarerumcopia,regni flosetthalamus...inquatanquamquodamElysio.. . . Clamavit Dompnenamincantatricem,etinsipientemregemquiterramfertilemet nobilembrutianimalisindiciotradidit." 2 Thesituationofthewellandthewholedirectionofthedoe'scourse maybefoundintheoldandcuriousmapoftheIsleofThanet,whichhas THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 261

includedforty-twoplough-lands: shecrossedthe islandintwodifferentdirectionsbeforereturning tohermistress.Thelandthusmarkedoutwas givenovertoDomnevaandherspiritualposterity. ArchbishopTheodoreimmediatelyconsecratedthe newfoundation,whichtookthenameofMinster, aswhoshouldsayTheMonastery.1 Domnevabecameawidow,andtakingthenthe nameofErmenberga,2wasthefirstabbessofthe newcommunity,whichwassoonoccupiedby seventynuns.Butshesoongaveupthegovern menttoherdaughterMildred,whomshehadsent intoFrance,toChelles,toreceivea literaryand religiouseducation.TheAbbessofChelles,far fromencouragingtheyoungprincesstoembrace monasticlife,employedeverykindofthreatand ill-usagetocompelhertomarryoneofherrela tives: thusatleastsaysthelegend,whichistoo singular,andtoodifferentinthispointfromall similarnarratives,nottohaveacertainauthenticity. ButMildredresistedthetemptationvictoriously. ShereturnedtoEnglandtogoverntheabbey beenrepublishedinminiatureinDugdale'sMonasticon(i.84),andby theBollandists(vol.iv.ofJuly,p.513),buttheexactfacsimileofwhich isfoundintheneweditionofElmham. 1 Thismonastery,likealltheEnglishones,wasdestroyedbythe DanesandrebuiltundertheNormans.Therestillremainsalargeand beautifulchurch,newlyrestored.Itissupposedthatsomeremainsof Domneva'soriginalbuildingcanbetracedinaportionofthetowerof thischurch,builtoflargestonesandRomantiles.—Gentleman'sMaga zine,July1862. 2 AccordingtoanotherversionshewascalledErmenbergabeforeshe becameabbess,andonlythenassumedthenameofDomnaEbba,or Domneva.—Boixand.,vol.viii.Oct.p.91. 262 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

foundedbyhermother,andtogiveanexampleof allthemonasticvirtuestoherseventycompanions. Great Veryfewdetailsofherlifehavebeenpreserved: ofMif-ntywhichmakestheextraordinaryandprolonged

popularitywhichhasattachedtohername,her relics,andeverythingbelongingtoher,allthe morewonderful.Herpopularityeclipsedthat ofStAugustineveninthedistrictwhichhefirst wontothefaith,andtosuchapointthattherock whichhadreceivedthemarkofhisfirstfootstep,1 andwhichliesa littletotheeastofMinster,took andretaineduptotheeighteenthcenturythename ofStMildred'sRock. Anentirechapterwouldbenecessarytonarrate theviolentstruggles,thevisions,andotherinci dentswhichareconnectedwiththehistoryofher relics,andwhathagiographerscallherposthumous fame.Hername,likethatofmanyotherAnglo- Saxonnuns,hasoncemorebecomefashionableinour days,butitrecallstoourungratefulcontemporaries nothingbutthevaguepoetryofthepast.Itwas mixedupwiththerealhistoryoftheDanesand Normans,ofCanutetheGreat,ofEdwardtheCon fessor,ofLanfranc,ofEdwardL,theterriblevictor oftheScotsandWelsh.2TheworshipofMildred appearsinterspersedinthemidstofalltheseperson ages1 Seewithabove,everyvol.iii.kindp.341.'ofedifyingCf.Stanley,andHistoricalamusingMemorialsanec-of

Canterbury. 2 Bolland.,loc.cit.Cf.Oakley,LifeofStAugustin,p.134. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 263 dote,suchastouchthemostdelicateandthemost diversechordsofthehumanheart.Bythesideof thetouchingsceneinwhichthepersecutedwifeof EdwardtheConfessor,forsakenbyall,isconsoled bytheapparitionofMildred—andthestoryofthe solemntranslationofherrelicsbyArchbishopLan- franc—arefoundgrotesqueincidents,suchasthatof thebell-ringerwho,whileasleepbeforehershrine, waswokebyaboxontheearadministeredbythe holyprincess,whosaidtohim,"Thisistheora toryandnotthedormitory."1Inthatwonderful efflorescenceofimaginationquickenedbyfaith whichforseveralcenturieswasinterwovenwith allChristiansociety,thelegendhadsomethingfor all—forcrownedheadsandcommonpeople,and couldatthesametimemoveitsaudiencetolaugh ortoweep.Letusreturntohistorybyadding thatWilliamtheConqueror,whenhebecame masterofEngland,formallyrespectedtherightof asylumclaimedbycriminalsattheplacewhere therelicsofMildredlay; for,whiledestroyingthe Anglo-Saxoncrown,hetookgreatcaretoaimno blowattheperseveringdevotionshownbyhis newsubjectsforthesaintsofbothsexeswhohad proceededfromtheirnationaldynasties. Mildredhadtwosisters,whosenamesarecon-Thesisters nectedwithhersbythateccentrictasteforal-dred. literationwhichcharacterisestheAnglo-Saxons.

1 "lnsestimabilidecorefulgida. . . elatapalma,alapameidedit,docens oratorium,nondormitorium,ibiesse."—Bolland.,voLiv.July,p.518. 264 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

TheirnameswereMilburgaandMilgytha; they werebothnunsliketheirsister,theirmother, theirthreeaunts,theirgrandauntEanswida,and theirgreat-grandauntsEthelburgaandEadburga.1 Wearenowatthefourthgenerationofthedescen dantsofthefirstChristianking,andwemaywell saywithMabillon: Puellarumregiarum,qui- busidemanimusfuit,numericsinirivixpotest? ThethreedaughtersofthefoundressofMinster werecomparedtoFaith,Hope,andCharity.3No thingisknownofMilgythaexceptthatshewas MUburgaanunatCanterbury.4AsforMilburga,shewas consecratedbytheArchbishopTheodoreabbessof amonasteryfoundedbeyondtheSevern,uponthe bordersofAnglo-Saxonterritoryandtheland stillheldbytheCeltsofCambria.LikeMildred, shehasfurnishedmorethanoneexpressiveincident tomonasticlegends.Theyoungabbesswasex posed,likesomanyofherfellows,tothepursuit ofaneighbouringprince,who,beingdeterminedto marryher,attemptedtoseizeherpersonbyforce. Asshefledbeforethesacrilegiousband,a river whichshehadjustcrossedroseallatonceinto flood,soastoplaceaninsurmountablebarrierin thewayofthetooeagersuitor,whothereupon

1 SeegenealogicaltableB. ' 2 Act.SS.0.S.B.,ssec.iii.1,p.40. 3 "Nominasimillima,parformarumgloria. . . mensetamoret sanctitastriumeratunica.HincMilburga,utfides,indeMilgytha,ut spes,mediacoruscatMildretha,utcaritas."—Bolland.,loc.ext.,p.516. 4 Bolland.,vol.ii.January,p.176. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 265 gaveupthepursuit.Anothermiracle,attributed toher,recallsthemosttouchingofthosewhich arementionedinthelifeofWilfrid.ApoorAndthe widowcametoheronedaywhenshewasaloneinchild, heroratory,and,throwingherselfonherknees, besoughtherwithtearstoraiseupherdeadchild, whosepoorlittlebodyshehadbroughtwithher. Milburgaaskedifsheweremad."Go,"shesaid, "buryyourson,andpreparetodie,inyourturn, likehim; forweareallbornbuttodie.""No, no,"saidthewidow,"Iwillnotleaveyoutillyou haverestoredtomemysonalive."Theabbess thenprayedbythelittlecorpse,andallatonce sheappearedtothepoormothersurroundedbya flamewhichdescendedfromheaven,theliving emblemofthefervourofherprayer.Aninstant after,lifecamebacktothechild.WhenMilburga hadreachedtheendofherowndays,whichwere fragrantwithcharityandpurity,shegatheredall hercommunityaroundherdeathbed."Beloved sisters,"shesaid,"Ihavealwayslovedyouasmy ownsoul,andI havewatchedoveryoulikea mother.I havenowcometotheendofmypil grimage; I leaveyoutoGodandtotheblessed VirginMary."Withwhichwordsshedied.Four23dFeb. hundredyearsafterherdeathhermonastery,which hadbeendestroyedbytheDanes,wasre-established bya colonyofmonksfromCluny.Whilethey werebuildingthechurch,a heavenlyfragrance betrayedtheplaceofMilburga'sburial.Herrelics 266 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

wereexposedtopublicveneration,andaninnumer ablecrowdhastenedtovisitthem—oldandyoung, richandpoor,rivallingeachotherinthepilgrim age.Allthesurroundingcountrywascoveredby a tideofpilgrims: sogreat,nowithstandingthe doubleinvasionofDanesandNormansandthe passageofcenturies,wasthefidelityoftheEnglish peopletothememoryofthefirstsaintsoftheir grand-sistersThesethreeweretheirrace.1In. ordermother,notwetohaveseparateintroduced. thethreethemsistersafterfromthe children savageofthe holyJ nunsofthedynastyJ J ofHeneist° andEthelbert, Penda.fromwhomtheyweredescendedbythemother's side.Butbytheirfather,whobelongedtothe reigningfamilyofMercia,theywerethegrand daughtersofPenda,themostterribleenemyof theChristianname.2 TheMer- Infact,atransformationfarmoresuddenand nasty,de-notlesscompletethanthatwhichturnedthegrand- scended , PendafurdaughtersoftheRavagerandManofFireinto "fthemostChessesandsaints,waswroughtupontheposterity samts. 0f ferociousPendaofMercia,thewarlikeocto genarian,whohadbeenthelastandmostformid ableheroofAnglo-Saxonpaganism.3Ofallthe racesdescendedfromOdinwhosharedamongthem 1 '' Nonaterecedam,nisiprolemmeamrestituasvivam.. . . Vos haetenus,dilectissimsesorores,sicutanimsemesevisceradilexi."—Cap- grave,ap.Bolland.,vol.iii.February,p.390."Vixpatulicampi capiebantagminaviatorum. . . cunctosincommuneprsecipitantefide." —Guill.Malmesb.,DeGest.Reg.,lib.ii.c.18. 8 SeegenealogicaltableC. 3 Seevol.iv. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 267 theswayofEngland,noonehasfurnishedalarger listofnunsandsaintstobeinscribedinthenational calendarthanthedescendantsofPenda,asifthey thusmeanttopayagenerousransomfortheca lamitiesinflicteduponthenewChristiansofEng landbytheirmostcruelenemy.1Wewillnotre turnagaintospeakofhisfirstbornson,whoselove forthedaughterofOswymadehimthefirstborn sonoftheChurchinMercia,thefirstChristian baptisedinthatcountry;2 norofhisfirstsuccessor Wulphere,thegenerousfounderofPeterborough; norofhisothersuccessorEthelred,thedevoted friendofWilfrid,whoendedhisthirtyyears'reign bytenyearsoflifeinamonastery.Wetreatonly atthismomentofthedaughtersandgranddaughters ofthesanguinaryvictorwhohadcutoffsomany Christiankingsamongtheneighbouringnations. AnobstinatetraditionfoundintheancientEng lishchroniclesassertsthattwoofhisdaughters, KyneburgaandKyneswitha,bothgaveupthe thoughtofmarriagetoconsecratethemselvesto God.Theeldest,whowasmarriedtotheintimate friendofherbrotherPeada,theeldestsonofKing OswyofNorthumbria,thefriendandfirstprotector ofWilfrid,3issaidtohavelefthimwithhiscon senttoendherlifeinthecloister.Theyoungest, soughtinmarriagebyOffa,KingoftheEastSaxons, 1 "ItaparensperpetuoinDeumrebellissanctissimosccelofructus effudit."—ThomasdeElmham,p.189. 2 SeevoLiv.p.114. 3 Seevol.iv.p.113. 268 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

usedherconnectionwithhimonlytopersuadethe youDgprincetoembracemonasticlifeassheher selfwishedtodo.1Amoreprofoundstudy,how ever,oftheperiodhasmadetheauthenticityof thislegenddoubtful.2Butithasprovedthatthe twodaughtersofthebloodyPendacontributed, withtheirbrothers,totheestablishmentofthe greatAbbeyofMedehampstedeorPeterborough; thattheirnamesappearinthelistsofthenational assemblywhichsanctionedthisfoundation,and thattheyspenttheirretiredandvirginallivesin someretreatnearthenewsanctuary.Aftertheir death,theywereburiedatPeterborough; their relics,happilyfoundaftertheburningofthemon asteryandthemassacreofallthemonksbythe Danes,werecarriedbackthereonitsrestoration, andcontinuedtobeveneratedtheredowntothe twelfthcentury. AthirddaughteroftheterriblePenda,Eadburga, wasalsoanun,andbecameabbessatDormunces- ter,accordingtotheEnglishmartyrology.Her sonMerwald,whodidnotreign,likehisbrothers, andneverattainedahigherrankthanthatofsub- regulus1 Guill.orMalmesb.,ealdorman,Ricard.marriedCirencester,herAlford,whowasHarpsfeld,after-

Capgrave,&c.Pagiacceptsthistradition: Crit.inBaronium,adaim. 680. 2 Act.SS.Bolland.,vol.i.March,p.441.Itisnotknownbywhat authoritytheauthorofthecontinuationofDugdalemakesKyneburga thefirstabbessofthegreatmonasteryatGloucester,thechurchofwhich, nowa cathedral,isoneofthemostcuriousbuildingsinEngland.— Stevens,i.266. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 269 wardsAbbessofMinster,aunionfromwhichsprang thethreeholysistersMilburga,Mildred,andMil- gytha,whomwehavejustspokenof. Another son,Wulphere,whosucceededPendaonthethrone ofMercia,hadasaintforhiswife,andofthismar riageproceededanotherholysaint,Wereburga,who wasthefourthofthegranddaughtersofPenda whomgratefulEnglandplaceduponheraltars. ThewifeofWulphere,thesonandsuccessorof Penda,wasErmenilda,daughteroftheKingof Kent,andgranddaughter,byhermother,ofAnna, theKingofEastAnglia,whoperisheduponthe battle-fielddefendinghiscountryandreligion againsttheattacksofPenda.1Thisreligion,hence forwardtriumphant,reconciledandunitedthepos terityofthemurdererandthatofthevictim.WeThe Uffings,or thuscome,throughtheessentiallyChristianand^^ty01 monasticdynastyoftheAscingsofKenttothatAl>glia- oftheUffingsofEastAnglia,whichwasequally remarkableforthecrowdofsaintswhichitpro duced.KingAnna,whomarriedthesisterof Hilda,thecelebratedAbbessofWhitby,hada naturaldaughter,whowasanuninFrance,along withthedaughter,byaformermarriage,ofher father'swife; both,ashasbeenalreadysaid,were AbbessesofFaremoutier,2andbotharereckoned amongthesaints. ByhisunionwiththesisterofHilda,King

1 Seeabove,vol.iv.p.96. 2 Seeabove,page243,andthegenealogicaltableD. 270 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

ThethreeAnnahadthreedaughtersanda son.Theson daughters _ 0 ofKingbecameinhisturnthefatherofthreedaughters, Anna,who 0 battle"thetwoofwnomwereinsuccessionAbbessesofthe field. MonasteryofHackness,inNorthumbria,founded bytheirgrandauntStHilda,andthelast,Ead- burga,wasthatAbbessofReptonwhomwehave alreadyencounteredasthefriendoftheillustrious andgeneroushermitGuthlac.1 ThethreedaughtersofAnna—Etheldreda,Sex- burga,andWithburga—areallcountedamongthe saints.Letusspeak,inthefirstplace,ofthe latter,thoughshewastheyoungestofthethree. Shewassenttothecountrytobenursed,and remainedthereuntilsheheard,whilestillquite young,thenewsofherfather'sdeathonthebattle field.Sheresolvedimmediatelytoseeka refuge fortherestofherlifeincloistralvirginity.She choseforherasyluma modestremnantofher father'slandsatDerehaminNorfolk,andthere builtalittlemonastery.Butshewassopoorthat she,hercompanions,andthemasonswhobuilther futuredwelling,hadtoliveondrybreadalone. Oneday,aftershehadprayedlongtotheblessed Virgin,shesawtwodoescomeoutoftheneigh bouringforesttodrinkata streamwhosepure currentwateredthesecludedspot.Theirudders wereheavywithmilk,andtheypermittedthem selvestobemilkedbythevirginalhandsofWith- burga'scompanions,returningeverydaytothe 1 Seeabove,p.120. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 271 sameplace,andthusfurnishingasufficientsupply forthe'nourishmentofthelittlecommunityand itsworkmen.1Thislasteduntiltherangerofthe royaldomain,a savageandwickedman,whore gardedwithanevileyetherisinghouseofGod, undertooktohuntdownthetwohelpfulanimals. Hepursuedthemwithhisdogsacrossthecountry, but,inattemptingtoleapahighhedge,withthat boldimpetuositywhichstillcharacterisesEnglish horsemen,hishorsewasimpaledonapost,andthe hunterbrokehisneck.2 Withburgaendedherlifeinthispoorandhum blesolitude; butthefragranceofhergentlevirtues spreadfarandwide.Thefameofherholiness wentthroughallthesurroundingcountry.The worshipgiventoherbythepeopleofNorfolkwas maintainedwiththepertinacitycommontothe Anglo-Saxonrace,andwentsofarthat,twocen turiesafterherdeath,theyarmedthemselvesto defendherrelicsfromthemonksofEly,whocame, 1 "Juxtamarecumsuanutriceinquodamvicopaternijuris.Ad sanctimonialemconfugitprofessionem,ubiinumbraalarumDeisperans suaviterrequievit....Inhumilemlocumpaternijurisdevenit.. . . Mittitadfontemquosilvagratoirrigaturfluvio.. . . Duseassiliunt cervse.. . . Hasmulgebantmanusvirginese.. . . Propositusipsius villas. . . adductiscauibusnitebaturinsontesferascaptare."—Bol- land.,vol.ii.March,p.606. TherestillexistsatEastDereham,a smallparishinNorfolk,awell bearingthenameofStWithburga.Itisfedbyaspringrisinginthe veryplacewherethesaint'sbodywaslaidbeforeitstranslationtoEly.— NotesandQueries,thirdseries,vol.iii.p.247. 2Themonasticchroniclerdescribestheaccidentwithallthespiritof a steeplechaser: "Equusinobstantemsepemurgentibuscalcaribusin- currit,secusqueacutasudetransfixusilia,dumresiliendotergiversaretur, sessorsuperbussupinocapiteexcutitur,fractaquecerviceexanimatur." 272 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

bytheking'scommand,tounitethemtothoseof hersistersatEly. * Three ToEly,also,themonasticmetropolisofEast generations the^iood*-^nS^a'an(lqueenofEnglishabbeys,wemust ofodin transportourselvestocontemplatethreegenera- Abbesses * r o atEly. tionsofprincessesissuedfromthebloodofthe UffingsandAscings,andcrownedbythenimbus ofsaints.Therewere,inthefirstplace,thetwo QueensofMerciaandKent,Etheldreda,whom ourreadersalreadyknow,1andhereldersister, Sexburga,Sexburga.Thisaccomplishedprincesshadmar- Kent"°f riedoneoftheKingsofKent,theonewho,after

Ethelbert,hadshowedhimselfmostzealousforthe extensionoftheGospel.Itwassheespecially whomovedhimtodestroythelastidolswhichstill 640-664.remainedinhiskingdom.Aftertwenty-fouryears ofconjugallife,shebecameawidow,andwasregent forfouryearsofthekingdomofherson.Assoon ashewasoldenoughtoreign,sheabdicated,not onlythecrown,butsecularlife,tooktheveilfrom thehandsofArchbishopTheodore,andfoundeda monasteryintheIsleofSheppey,situatedatthe mouthoftheThames,andseparatedfromthe mainlandbythatarmoftheseainwhichAu- gustin,onChristmas-day579,baptisedatonce tenthousandSaxons.Thismonasterytookand keptthenameofMinster,likethatwhichwas foundedatthesametimebyhernieceDomnevain theneighbouringIsleofThanet.Thechurchis 1 Seeabove,inthelifeofWilfrid,vol.iv.p.233. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 273

stillvisiblenotfarfromthegreatroadsofSheer- ness,whichhasbecomeoneoftheprincipalstations oftheBritishnavy.Shethereruledacommunity ofseventy-sevennuns,untilshelearnedthather sisterEtheldreda,havingfledfromthekingherhus band,accordingtotheadviceofWilfrid,hadtaken refugeinthemarshesoftheirnativecountry,and hadthereformedanewasylumforsoulsresolute toserveGodinsolitudeandvirginity.Sexburga thenresolvedtoreturntoherowncountryand becomeasimplenununderthecrosierofhersister. "Farewell,mydaughters,"shesaidtohercom panionswhoweregatheredroundher,"Ileaveyou Jesusforyourprotector,Hisholyangelsforcom panions,andoneofmydaughtersforyoursupe rior.. . . 1 gotoEastAngliawhereI was born,inordertohavemyglorioussisterEthel dredaformymistress,andtotakepartimmediately inherlaboursherebelow,thatI mayshareher recompenseabove." ShewasreceivedwithenthusiasmatEly: theAbbessat , Elyafter entirecommunityoutcametowelcomeher: andhersister, thetwosister-queensweptwithjoywhentheymet. Theylivedtogetherafterwardsinthemostsweet andtenderunion,rivallingeachotherinzealfor theserviceofGodandthesalvationofsouls,Sex burgacompellingherselfalwaystotakelessonsof humilityandfervourfromhersister.WhenEthel-679. dredadied,Sexburgareplacedherasabbess,and ruledthegreatEastAnglianmonasteryfortwenty vol.v. s 274 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

6th699.JulyyearsJ beforeshetoofoundherrestnearthetomb whichshehaderectedtohersister.1 Besideshertwosons,whoreignedoverKentin succession,Sexburgahadtwodaughters,oneof whom,Earcongotha,livedanddied,ashasbeen alreadyseen,ina Frenchmonastery; theother, Ermenilda,Ermenilda,marriedtothesonandsuccessorof Queenof . Mercia,Penda,became,alongwiththeillustriousexile Abbessof _ ° ElyafterWilfrid,theprincipalinstrumentofthefinalCon nermother, 'ii. versionofMercia,thegreatestkingdomofthe Heptarchy.Likehermother,sheusedallthein fluencewhichtheloveofherhusbandgaveherto extirpatethelastvestigesofidolatryinthecoun trywhichhadbeenthecentreandlastbulwark ofAnglo-Saxonheathenism.2Theexampleofher virtueswasthemosteffectualofsermons; andit was,aboveall,byherincomparablesweetness,her pityforallmisfortune,herunweariedkindness,that shetouchedtheheartsofhersubjectsmost.3Like hermother,too,itwasherdesiretoofferherself 1 "Vobis,0filise,Jesumderelinquotutorem,sanctosqueangelospara- nymphos.. . . Egogloriossesororismessmagisterioinformanda.. . . Reginareginamexcepit,sororsororemcumtripudiointroducit,fundunt ubertimprsegaudiolacrymas,etexveracaritateintereaslsetitiagermi- natur.Ccelestinamquedulcedinedelectataealternainvicemconsolatione proficiunt.Venitdivesilladeprselationeadsubjectionem.. . . Fede rateinvicembeatsesororesinunitatefidei."—HistoriaEliensis,1.i.c. 18,35. 2 "Neequievitinvicta,doneeidolaetritusdsemoniacosextirparet.. . . Rex. . . Sanctisuxorisdesideriis,petitionibusacmonitisultroseiucli- nans."—Joann.Brompton,ap.Holland,vol.ii.February,p.687.See above,vol.iv.p.191. 3 "Adomneiupietatem,compassionemetomniumnecessitudinmnsub- ventionemmaternavisceraanteomniainduebat.Eademinomnibusbe- nignitas,inChristocaritaserat."—Ibid.,p.691. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 275 entirelytoGod,towhomshehadfinallyledbackher people: assoonasshebecameawidow,shetookthe veillikehermother,andunderhermother—forit wastoElythatshewenttoliveinhumilityand chastity,underadoublymaternalrule.Themother anddaughtercontendedwhichshouldgivethe finestexamplesofhumilityandcharity.1Atlast, andstillfollowinginhermother'ssteps,Ermenilda, onthedeathofSexburga,becameabbess,andwas thusthethirdprincessofthebloodoftheUffings whoruledtheflourishingcommunityofEly.The localchronicleaffirmsthatitwasnotherbirthbut hervirtues,andevenherloveofholypoverty,which madeherpreferredtoallothersbytheunanimous suffragesofhernumerouscompanions.2Sheshowed herselfworthyoftheirchoice: shewaslessasu periorthanamother.Afteralifefullofholiness andjustice,hersoulwenttoreceiveitseternal rewardinheaven,andherbodywasburiedbeside thoseofhermotherandauntinthechurchofthe greatabbeywhichhadthusthesingularprivilegeof havingforitsthreefirstabbessesaQueenofNor- thumbria,aQueenofKent,andaQueenofMercia. 1 "Contendebantalterutrapietatemateretfilia,qusehumilior,quae possitessesubjectior: matersibiprseferebatejus,quamgenuerat,virgini- tatem; virgomatrisauctoritatem: utrinqueetvincereetvincigaude- bant."—Gotselinus,VitaS.Wereburgoe,ap.Bolland,voLi.February, p.388. 2 "Votounanimietconsensutotiuscongregationis. . . successit: qusetotiusdominationisambitioneneglecta...adChristipaupertatem, quamoptaverat,pauperipsadevenit....Acunctisdignesuscepta, totiusmatercongregationiseffectaest.Transivitautemplenasanctitate etjustitiaadregnaccelestia." 276 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. were- Butthiscelebratedcommunitywastobein burga, ofdaughterErmen-additionthespiritualL homeofafourthabbessand iida saint,inwhomthebloodofPendaandofAnna,1 fourth ' EivbeosfSthevictorandthevanquished,wasblended.This Ely,ofthe same stock. wasWereburga,theonlydaughterofErmenilda, whohadnotfollowedbutpreceded,hermotherin thecloister. ThesecrownedChristianshadlearnedintheir palacestodespisewealth,luxury,andworldly pomp.Theyconsideredthemselvesprisonersof vanity.2Notwithstandingherbeauty,which,like thatofEtheldreda,isboastedbytheannalists, Wereburgarepulsedallhersuitors.Amonastery seemedtoherthemostnobleofpalaces.Follow ingthisimpulseshewenttohergrandauntEthel dredaatEly,withtheconsentofherfather,who himselftookherthereinstate,accompaniedbyhis royalsuite.Whenhergrandmother,QueenSex- burga,andhermother,QueenErmenilda,followed her,threegenerationsofprincessesofthebloodof HengistandOdinwerethusseentogether,the grandmother,mother,anddaughter,wearingthe samemonasticdress,andboundbythesamerulefor theserviceofGodandman.Wereburgalivedlong asahumbleandsimplenun,fulfillinginherturn 1 SeegenealogicaltablesB,C,andD. 2 "Viluerantdivitisetanimatriquamfilise: palatiumhabcbant promonasterio: aurum,gemmse,vestesaurotextse,etquicquidfert pompaticamundijactantiaonerosasibimagiserantquamgloriosa: et sifortehisutiadtempusregiacompelleretdignitas,dolebantsepotius vanitatissubjectastanquamcaptivas."—Act.SS.Bolland.,Febr.vol.i. p.387. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 277 alltheofficesinthemonastery,untilthetime when,afterthedeathofhermother,shewascalled totaketheplaceofabbess. HeruncleEthelred,who,afterareignofthirty years,wastoendhisdaysinthecloister,wasso struckwiththeprudenceandcapacitythatwere apparent,combinedwithholiness,inthecharacter ofWereburga,thatheintrustedherwithasortof supremacy,orrathera generalrightofinspection overthevariousnunneriesinhiskingdom.1Itwas inexerciseofthisofficethat,beforeenteringonthe governmentofEly,shehadbeenattheheadofthe communitiesofWeedon,Trentham,andHanburyin turn,leavingeverywhereafragranceofvirtueand kindness,andrecollectionsofherconstantsolici tudeforthebenefitofall,whichmadehermemory deartothepeople,andofwhichasusuallegendary lorehastakenpossession.Ofalltheincidentsthat adornherbiographywewillquoteoneonly,which explainsbetterthananyotherthepopularityof hermemory.Ithappenedonedaythata shep herdonthemonasticlandsofWeedon,a man distinguishedbyhisholylife,wastreatedbythe stewardwiththatsavagebrutalitywhichthe modern1 "CumEnglishformsepulchritudotooofteninsigniterborrowresponderetfromgenerositatitheirAnglo-suae, ccepitspeciosafaciecumspeciosissimamenteadeum. . . contendere.. . . Procosetamatoresregificosangelicapudicitiarepulit.. . . Virginalis B.Wereburgsepudicitia,moxutvaluit,hsecvinculaexuit.. . . Tradidit eimonasteriorumsanctimonaliumquseinsuoregnopollebantprinci- patum."—Bolland.,vol.i. February,p.387,388. 278 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

Saxonancestors.Atthissightthenieceofthe sovereignofMercia,thegranddaughteroftheter riblePenda,threwherselfatthefeetofthecruel steward."FortheloveofGod,"shesaid,"spare thisinnocentman; heismorepleasinginthe eyesofGod,whofromtheheightsofheavenre gardsallouractions,thaneitheryouorI." The wretchpaidnoattentiontoher,andshebeganto pray,continuinguntilthesteward,paralysedand distortedbymiraculousstrength,hadinhisturn toappealtotheinterventionofthesaintthathe mightberestoredtohisnaturalcondition.1 AtthedeathofWereburgathepopulationin theneighbourhoodofthemonasterywhereshe diedandwhereshewastobeburied,foughtfor thepossessionofherbody,aneventwhichbegan tobecustomaryatthedeathofourholynuns. Twocenturieslater,inordertosaveherdearre mainsfromtheDanes,theEaldormanofMercia hadthemcarriedtoChester,a cityalreadycele bratedinthetimesoftheBritonsandRomans, andwhereagreatabbey,witha churchwhichis nowadmiredamongthefinecathedralsofEng land,roseoverhertomb. TocompletethislistofAnglo-Saxonprincesses

1 "Amentarius,virpiseconversationiaetquantumlicuitsubhumana aervitutesanctaevitae.. . . Nuncvillicusdominaecumfortelaniaret cruentissimoverbere. . . proruitadpedeaindignoalanistse.. . . Parce,proDeiamore,quareexcarnificashominemiunocentem.. . . Continuoduracervixettorvafacieaintergaillirefiectitur."—Ibid., p.389. »

THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 279

revealedwhosecloistraltouseducationbytheworshipandvocationofwhichhavebeentheytheNunsCerdicraceofinof

WCss6X. weretheobject,it nowremainstosaya few wordsofthenunswhoproceededfromtherace whichacenturylaterwastoabsorballtheking domsoftheHeptarchy,andformthepolitical unityofEngland.Thisraceof Cerdic,the founderofthekingdomofWessex,hasalready givenusanessentiallymonasticfigureintheper sonofthelegislatorKingIna,1who,inthemidst ofa prosperousandgloriousreign,gaveuphis crownandwenttoRometobecomeamonk.It washiswifeEthelburga,asmayberemembered, who,byascenecleverlyarranged,preparedhimto leavehiskingdom,hiscountry,andtheworld.She aloneneverlefthim; sheaccompaniedhiminhis voluntaryexile,andathisdeathreturnedtobecome anunatBarking,inEngland. BesidethewifeofIna,and,likeher,ofthestcuth- bloodofCerdic,2thetwosistersoftheking,Coen-sStfrW burga3andCuthburga,taketheirplaceinmonastic annals,bothdevotedtoreligiouslife,andreckoned amongtheEnglishsaints.Thelatterismuchthe mostcelebratedofthetwo.Shewasmarried youngtothelearnedandpeacefulAldfrid,Kingof 1 Seeabove,p.127,andthegenealogicaltableE. 8 "EegiigenerisfeminadeCerdieiprosapiaregisoriunda."—Guill. Malmesb. 3 PlacedbytheBollandists(vol.iv.Sept.,die12)amongtheprceter- missi,becauseheradorationdoesnotappeartothemcertain,thoughshe isnamedina crowdofmartyrologies.Cf.Pagi,Crit.inAnnul. Baronii,ad.ann.705. 280 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

Northumbrian,whoseimportantinfluenceonthelife ofWilfridhasbeenalreadyseen,andwas,likeher sister-in-lawEtheldreda,struckuponthethroneby thethunderboltofdivinelove,andinthelifetime ofherhusbanddesiredtogiveupconjugallifeand herroyalstatetoconsecrateherselftotheservice ofGodinthecloister.Lesstenderorlessviolent thanhisbrotherEgfrid,KingAldfridconsentedto 700-705.theseparation,1andCuthburgatooktheveilinthe MonasteryofBarking,ontheThames,intheking domofEastAnglia.Thishouse,whichhadbeen foundedsometimebeforebyaholybishopofLon donforhissister,inwhomhehadrecogniseda souldestinedtogovernthosewhogavethemselves toGod,2wasalreadycelebrated,notonlyforthe fervourofitsnuns,butbythezealtheydisplayed forthestudyoftheHolyScriptures,theFathers FoundresssisteroftheChurch,ofInaremainedandeventhethereclassiconlytongues.a fewyears.The bourne.705. Herbrotherdesiredhertobecomethesuperiorr ofa greatfoundationbelongingtotheirraceand country.HeestablishedheratWinbourne,ina

1 "Antefinemvitsesuaiconnubiocarnaliscopula?amboproDeiamore renunciavere."—Flobent.Wigornensis.Cf.Bolland.,vol.vi. August,p.696. 2 "InquoipsaDeodevotarummateracnutrixpossetexisterefemi- narum,qusesusccptomonasteriiregimine,condignamseinomnibus episcopofratre,etipsareetevivendoetsubjectisregulariteretpiecon- sulendoprsebuit."—Bede,iv.6. ThisbishopwascalledEarconwald, andhissisterEdilbergaorEthelburga.Shemustnotbeconfounded withthewidowofKingIna,whoafterwardswasanun,andevenabbess atBarking.ThebishophimselfbecameamonkatChertsey,another monasteryalsofoundedbyhimonthebanksoftheThames. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 281 veryfertilecountry,1neartheroyalresidenceof thekingsofWessex,andnotfarfromthesea whichwashestheshoresofthedistrictnowcalled Dorsetshire.TheQueenofNorthumbria,when shebecameabbessofthenewcommunity,carried withherthespiritandhabitsofherfirstmonastic dwelling-place,andWinbournesoonbecamestill morecelebratedthanBarkingforthegreatde velopmentofitsliterarystudies. ButbeforewediscussbrieflythesingularbirthFrides- ofecclesiasticalandclassicalliteratureamongbwestSaxon theAnglo-Saxonnuns,andbeforeweleavetheprincess, ° becomesa countryofWessex,whichgavetotheEnglish™™fthe theirfirstmonarch,Egbert,andtotheTeutonic°^°srition worlditsmostillustriousapostle,Boniface,a^™jjgr; placemustbereservedforthetouchingandpop-™the8tery

ularstoryofFrideswida,foundressandpatronoftheUniver- Oxford—thatistosay,ofoneofthemostcele-Oxford, bratedliteraryandintellectualcentresoftheuni verse.Shewasthedaughterofoneofthegreat chiefsofthecountry,towhomthelegendgives thetitleofking,oratleastofsubregulus,andwas, likealltheheroinesofAnglo-Saxonlegend,sought inmarriagebyanotherkingorchiefcalledAlgar, morepowerfulthanherfather,whoseallianceshe obstinatelyrefusedinordertoconsecrateherselfto religiouslife.Theprince,carriedawaybyhis 1 "QnodLatineinterpretaturvinifansdicipotest,quiapropter nimiamelaritatemetsaporemeximiumquocseteristerrseilliusaquis prsestarevidebatur,hocnomenaccepit."—Eodolphi,VilaS.Liobce,ap. ActaSS.0.S.B.,ssec.iii.p.2. 282 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. passion,resolvedtoseizeonherbyforce.To escapefromhispursuitshethrewherself,like Bega,intoaboat,nottocrossthesea,likethe Irishprincess,buttoputtheThamesbetweenher selfandherlover.Afterproceedingfortenmiles ontheriver,shelandedonthebordersofa forest, whereshehidherselfinasortofhutcoveredwith ivy,butintendedinthefirstplacefortheswine which,thenaslater,wenttoeattheacornsinthe woods,andwereoneoftheprincipalrichesofthe Anglo-Saxonproprietors.1Itwasnota secure refugeforher.Algar,growingmoreandmorein earnest,trackedhereverywhere,withtheintention ofsacrificinghertothebrutalityofhiscompanions aswellastohisown.Butatthemomentwhen, exhaustedwithweariness,shewasabouttofall intohishands,shebethoughtherselfofthegreat saintswho,fromtheearliestdaysoftheChurch, haddefendedandsavedtheirvirginityattheprice oftheirlife.SheinvokedCatherine,themost illustriousmartyroftheEasternChurch,and Cecilia,thesweetandheroicRomanwhosename, insertedinthecanonofthemass,wasalready familiartoallthenewChristians.Herprayerwas granted.GodstruckthesavageAnglo-Saxon withsuddenblindness,whichputanendtohis furiouspursuit. Fromthisincidentsprangawildbutobstinate tradition,accordingtowhichthekingsofEngland 1 SeethefirstchapterofIvanhoe. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 283

forseveralcenturiescarefullyavoidedlivingoreven passingbyOxford,forfearoflosingtheireyesight.1 Frideswida,thusmiraculouslysaved,obtainedby herprayerstherestorationofsighttoherpersecu tor; then,withherfather'sconsent,andaftersome yearspassedinsolitude,shefoundednearOxford, atthespotofherdeliverance,amonasterywherea crowdofSaxonvirginsrangedthemselvesunder herauthority,andwheresheendedherlife,dyingin thesameyearasthevenerableBede,andconsoled735. duringherlastsufferingsbytheapparitionofthe twovirginmartyrs,StCatherineandStCecilia,to whomshehadoncesosuccessfullyappealed. ThetombofFrideswida,thechapelsheerected inthedepthofthewoodwhereshehadhidden herself,thefountainwhichsprangatherprayer, attracteduptothethirteenthcenturya crowdof pilgrims,whowereledthitherbythefameofthe miraculouscuresthereperformed.Butofallthe miraclescollectedafterherdeath,noneissotouch ingasthatwhich,toldduringherlifetime,contri butedaboveeverythingelsetoincreasethefameof sanctitywithwhichshewassoonsurrounded.It

1 "Inderelictoporcorummapalihrederaobductodelituit.. . . Nec latibulumlaterepotuitamantem,neccordisdesidiaobfuit,quinperse- qnereturfugitantem.. . . Illeviagereintendit.. . . Lenonumludibrio polluenda.. . . Puellajamdefugadesperanssimulqueprolassitudine nusquamprogredipotena. . . HincinnatusesthorrorregibusAnglise, utnecunnsprofectosuccessorumejusOxenfordiamprsesumaturintrare." —Leland,Collectanea,ap.Dugdale,vol.i. p.173.Cf.Bolland., vol.viii.Oct.,p.533-568.HenryIII.wasthefirstEnglishkingwho disregardedthisprejudice,andthemisfortunesofhisreignhavebeen attributedtothispresumption. 284 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. shekisseshappenedonedaythatanunfortunateyoungman, leper. struckwithleprosy,metherontheroad: fromthe momentthatheperceivedherhecried,"Iconjure you,virginFrideswida,bytheAlmightyGod,to kissmeinthenameofJesusChrist,HisonlySon." Themaiden,overcomingthehorrorfeltbyallofthis fearfuldisease,approachedhim,andafterhaving madethesignofthecross,shetouchedhislips witha sisterlykiss.Soonafterthescalesofhis leprosyfelloff,andhisbodybecamefreshand wholesomelikethatofalittlechild.1 ThechurchinwhichthebodyofFrideswida rests,andthemonasterywhichshehadfounded, weretheobjectsofpublicvenerationandthegifts ofmanykingsduringthemiddleages.Itwould occupytoomuchofourspacetotellhowthismon asterypassedintothehandsofregularcanons,and becameoneofthecradlesofthecelebratedUniver sityofOxford.Unquestionablythefirstschool whichisprovedtohaveexistedonthisspot,des tinedtosomuchliteraryfame,wasattachedtothe sanctuaryofourAnglo-Saxonprincess.2Oxford andWestminster,3thetwogreatestnamesinthe intellectualandsocialhistoryofEngland,thus

1 "Ecceinterturbam. . . adestjuvenisimmanissimalepraet pustulistotodeforatus(sic)corpore.. . . Adjurote,virgoFrideswida, perDeumomnipotentem,utdesmihiosculum....Atillacaritatis ignesuccensaillicoaccessit.. . . Orevirginisosleprositangitur,et. . . statimcaroejussicutcaroparvuliefficitur."—Bolland.,vol.viiiOct., p.565. 2 Ozanam,NotesIneditessurVAnyleterre. 3 Seeabove,vol.iii.p.409. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 285 bothdatefromthemonasticorigininwhichis rootedeverythingwhichwasdearandsacredto oldEngland. ThemonasteryofStFrideswida,transformed intoacollegebyCardinalWolsey,isstill,underthe nameofChrist-Church,themostconsiderablecol legeintheUniversityofOxford.Herchurch,re builtinthetwelfthcentury,isthecathedralofthat city.1Herbody,accordingtothecommonopin ion,stillreststhere,andhershrineisshown; but itmustbeaddedthat,underElizabeth,andafter thefinaltriumphofAnglicanreform,a commis sioneroftheQueen,whohashimselfrelatedthe factinanofficialreport,believedhimselfentitled toplacebesidetherelicsofFrideswidathebody ofa disveilednunmarriedtoanapostatepriest calledPietroVermigli,whohadbeencalledto Oxfordasareformerandprofessorofthenewdoc trine.Thecommissionermixedthebonesofthe saintandthoseoftheconcubineinsuchamanner thatitwasimpossibletodistinguishtheonefrom theother,andplacedthemina stonecoffin,on whichheengravedthewords,nowhappilyeffaced, Hierequiescitreligiocumsuperslitione.2 1 Thechoir,withitssuperimposedarches,isspeciallyadmirable,as wellasthetombofGuitmond,firstprioroftherestoredmonasteryin 1549,thatofSirHenrydeBath,Chief-JusticeofEnglandin1251,and thegracefulchapter-houseofthethirteenthcentury.AtChrist-Church residesthecelebratedDrPusey,canonofthecathedral. 2 SeethelearnedandcopiousarticleofP.BossueonStFrideswida, ap.Bolland.,vol.viii.Oct.,p.553-556. 286 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

III.

Itmaybea matterofsurprisethatthereis nothinginthelegendofStFrideswida,norinthe recollectionsoftheearlydaysofherfoundation, toconnectthemwiththeincontestabletradi tionswhichprovetheintellectualandliteraryde velopmentofthegreatnunneriesinEngland,of whichsomethinghasalreadybeensaid.Wereturn tothesubject,wereitonlyinpassing,reservingto ourselvesthepowerofgoingbackuponitwhen itbecomestimetodiscussthecoloniesoflearned nunswho,issuingfromtheirinsularbeehives,lent effectualaidtoStBonifaceandtheotherAnglo- SaxonmissionariesofGermany. Itisprovedbynumerousandundoubtedwit nessesthatliterarystudieswerecultivatedduring theseventhandeighthcenturiesinthefemale monasterieswithnolesscareandperseverance thaninthecommunitiesofmen,andevenperhaps withmoreenthusiasm.Wasthis,ashasbeensup posed,aconsequenceofthenewspiritwhichArch bishopTheodorehadbroughtfromGreeceand Italy,andwithwhichhehadinspiredallthemon asticChurchofEngland1 orwasitratheratradi tionofFrankishGaul,wherethefirstAnglo-Saxon nunshadbeeneducated,andwheretheexample ofRadegundandhercompanionsshowsustowhat THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 287 adegreeclassicalhabitsandrecollectionsfoundan echoincloistersinhabitedbywomenalone\1 AtalleventsitisapparentthattheAnglo-Saxon nunsinterpretedtheobligationtoworkwhichwas imposedonthembytheirrule,tooccupythetime whichremainedaftertheperformanceoftheirlitur gicalduties,asapplyingspeciallytostudy.They didnotneglecttheoccupationspropertotheirsex, asisapparentbytheexampleofthepriestlyvest mentsembroideredforCuthbertbytheabbess- queenEtheldreda.Theyevenimprovedtheart ofembroideryingoldandsilverstuffs,ornamented withpearlsandjewels,fortheuseoftheclergyand thechurch,somuch,thattheterm"Englishwork" (opusAnglicum)waslongconsecratedtothiskind oflabour.Buttheworkofthehandwasfarfrom satisfyingthem.Theyleftthedistaffandthe needle,notonlytocopymanuscriptsandornament themwithminiatures,accordingtothetasteof theirtime,butabovealltoreadandstudytheholy books,theFathersoftheChurch,andevenclassic authors.All,oralmostall,knewLatin.Convent correspondedwithconventinthatlanguage.Some ofthembecameacquaintedwithGreek.Some wereenthusiasticforpoetryandgrammar,andall thatwasthenadornedwiththenameofscience. Othersdevotedthemselvesmorereadilytothe studyofthePentateuch,theProphets,andthe NewTestament,1 Seetakingabove,vol.forii.p.guides300. thecommen- 288 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. tariesoftheancientdoctors,andseekingouthisto rical,allegorical,ormysticinterpretationsforthe mostobscuretexts.1Ithasbeenmadeapparent bywhatwassaidinrespecttothecowherdCead- mon,transformedintoa poetandtranslatorof HolyScripture,towhatextentthestudyofthe BiblehadbeencultivatedatWhitbyunderthe reignofthegreatAbbessHilda.2 Eachcommunityofwomenwasthusatoncea schoolandworkshop,andnomonasticfoundation istobemetwithwhichwasnot,fornunsaswell asformonks,ahouseofeducation,inthefirstplace fortheadults,whoformeditsfirstnucleus,and afterwardsfortheyoungpeoplewhocrowdedaround them.3Thusweretrainedthecultivatednunswho quotedVirgilinwritingtoStBoniface,andtoooften addedLatinverses,oftheirownfashion,totheir prose;*whocopiedforhimtheworkshehadneed of,nowtheEpistlesofStPeteringildedletters, nowtheProphetswritlargetosuitweaksight; 5 whoconsoledandnourishedhiminhisexileby

1 Mabillon,Annal.Bened.,vol.ii.p.143; Lingard,Antiquities,vol. ii.p.193; andespeciallyKarlZell,who,inarecentwork,Liobaunddie frommenAngelsachsischanFrauen(Fribourg,1860),hasmostconscien tiouslytreatedofallthatregardsthestudiesandthewholelifeofthe Anglo-Saxonnuns. 2 Seeabove,vol.iv.p.66. 3 ThefollowingissaidofStCuthbert'sfoundationatCarlisle(see above,vol.iv.p.290): "Ubisanctimonaliumcongregationestabilita ...inprofectumdivinseservitutisscholasinstituit."—SimeonPd- NELMENSIS,i.9. 4 S.BonifaciietLulliEimtolce,No.13,23,148,149; ed.Jaffe-. 6 Ibid.,No.13,32,55. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 289 theabundanceandbeautyofthebookstheysent him; andamongwhomhefoundthoseillustrious fellow-workers,whomoneofhisbiographersde clarestohavebeendeeplyversedinallliberal studies,1andwholentsostoutahandinthecon versionoftheGermans. ButtheexamplemostfrequentlyquotedisthatIntel- lectuallife ofBarking,wherewehaveseenthewifeandsister^,^rrking ofIna,theQueenofNorthumbriaandtheQueenh^;^ ofWessex,taketheveilinsuccession,theonedur ingthelifetime,theotherafterthedeathofher husband.TheabbessofthisconventwasHilde- lida,whosewiseadministrationandholylife,pro longedtoa veryadvancedage,2havebeencele bratedbyBede,andtowhomherfriendshipwith StAldhelmandStBonifacegaveadditionalfame. Itwastoherandhercommunitythatthefamous AbbotofMalmesburydedicatedhisPraiseofVir ginity,composedatfirstinprose,andwhichwas rewritteninverseatalaterperiod.Inthisdedi cation,henames,besidestheAbbessandQueen Cuthburga,eightothernuns,who• wereboundto himbytiesofbloodorofintimatefriendship,whose holyfameseemedtohimanhonourtotheChurch, andwhosemanyandaffectionatelettersfilledhim withjoy.3 1 Othlo,DeVitaetVirtutibusS.JBonifacii,p.490. 2 "Devotadeofamula. . . usqueadultimamsenectutemeidemmo- nasteriostrenuissime,inobservantiadisciplineregularisetinearumquse adcommunesususpertinentrerumprovidentiaprsefuit."—Hist.Eccles., iv.10.CtS.BonifaciiEpist.,10,ed.Jaffe\ * "NecnonOsburgsecontributionsnecessitudinumnexibuscongluti- VOL.V. T 290 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

Thistreatise,likealltheotherimportantwrit ingsofAldhelm,isveryuninvitingtothereader, beingfullofpedantryandemphasis.Butitis veryinterestingtoallwhodesiretorealisethe ideasandimageswhichoneofthemostholyand learnedpontiffsoftheAnglo-SaxonChurchnatur allyappealedto,inaddressinghimselftothenuns ofhisowncountryandtime.Hequotestothem allthegreatexamplesofvirginitywhichtheOld andNewTestamentscouldsupply,orwhichwere tobefoundinthelivesoftheFathersandDoctors, andespeciallyinthehistoryofthemartyrsof bothsexes.ButhealsoquotestothemVirgiland Ovid,andamongothersthewell-knownline— "Quadrupedanteputremsonituquatitungulacampum; " andthatfromtheEpithalamium— "Melleatuncroseishserescuntlabialabris."1 Hedoesnotconfinehimselftoa commonplace image,bydescribingthemasbeeswhoseektheir honeyfromthemostdifferentflowers.Hecom paresthemnowtoathletesinthecircus,taking advantageofthemetaphortomakeanenumera tionofalltheOlympiangames; nowtowarlike cohortsengagedinadesperatestruggleagainstwhat hecallstheeightgreatvices; andanonheborrows hisimagesandexhortationsfrommilitarylife, natis,AldgidseacScholasticse,HildburgseetBmugidse,EulaliseacTec- lse,rumoresanctitatisconcorditerEcclesiamornantibus."—DeLaudibus Virginitatis,p.1,ed.Giles. 1 DeLaudibusVirginitatis,c.35. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 291 alwaysmixing,inhissingularLatin,modesand turnsofexpressionwhichareessentiallyGreek, andwhichpresuppose,amongseveralatleastof hiscorrespondents,acertainacquaintancewiththe Greeklanguage.Thelastlinesofhistreatise breathea touchinghumilityandtenderness.He compareshimself,apoorsinnerwho,stillplunged inthewavesofcorruption,showstoothersthe perfectshoreoftheperfectland,toadeformed painterwhohasundertakentorepresentthefea turesofbeauty."Helpme,then,dearscholarsof Christ,"hesays; "letyourprayersbethereward ofmywork,and,asyouhavesooftenpromised me,mayyourcommunitybemyadvocatesbefore theAlmighty.Farewell,youwhoaretheflowers oftheChurch,thepearlsofChrist,thejewelsof Paradise,theheirsofthecelestialcountry,butwho arealsomysistersaccordingtomonasticrule,and mypupilsbythelessonsIhavegivenyou."1 NorwerethenunsofBarkingtheonlyonestoHisletters whomAldhelmaddressedtheeffusionsofhisun-nuns, weariedpen,andhislaboriouslyclassicmuse; and weareexpresslytoldthattheworkshededicated tothemwereverypopularamongallwhofollowed thesamecareer.2. Manyofhislettersandpoems areaddressedtonunswhosenamesarenotgiven, 1 "Pulchrumdepinxihominempictorfcedus,aliosqueadperfectionis litusdirigo,quiadhucindelictorumfluctibusversor.. . . Valete,oflores Ecclesise,sororeamonasticee,alumnsescholasticse,Christimargaritae, paradisigemmse,etccelestispatriseparticipes."—Ibid.,c.60. 2 "Berkingensiumquidemnominidedicata; sedomnibuseamdem professionemanhelantibusvalitura."—Guillelm.Malmesb.,i.35. 292 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

butofwhomhebegsnotonlyintercessionwith God,butprotectionagainstcriticismherebelow.1 Thecommunitieswhowerehonouredbyhisvisits orbyhiscorrespondencetookpleasure,nodoubt, inhisplayonwords,andintheGreco-Latinacros ticsandverbalrefinementswithwhichthecele bratedprelateadornedhisproseandverse; and insignificantasthiskindofproductionappearsto usnow,itimpliesneverthelessacertaindegreeof literaryculturegenerallydiffusedthroughoutthe Anglo-Saxoncloisters. Buttheinterestwhichattachestothisrevelation ofanintellectualmovementamongtheAnglo- Saxonnunsisincreasedwhenitisremarkedthat intellectualpursuits,thoughintenselyappreciated, werefarfromholdingthefirstplaceintheheart andspiritofthesenewaspirantstoliteraryglory. Thesalvationofsoulsandthetenderunionof heartscarriedthedayoveralltherest.Inaletter writtentoanabbessdistinguishedbybirthaswell as.byknowledgeandpiety,enclosingtohera seriesofleonineverseshehadmadeonajourney hehadtakenintoCornwall,Aldhelmtakespains todemonstratethatheisspeciallyinspiredbya tendergratitudetowardsherwhoofallwomen hasshownhimthemostfaithfulaffection.2And

1 '' Sedvosvirgineiscomitquasinfulasertis, Hocopusadversusquerulosdefenditescurras,"&c. —S.AldhelmiOpera,p.213,ed.Giles. 2 "Nullamreperisscmeistichabitantiumfemininisexuspersonam fideliorem."—Ibid.,p.104. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 293 anothercalledOsgitha,whomheexhortstoacare fulstudyoftheHolyScriptures,headdressesas hisbelovedsister,tentimes,andevenahundred, athousandtimesbeloved.1 LetusheretakeleaveofAldhelmandhislearned correspondents,remindingourreadersthatoneof hismostimportantacts,thatbywhichheconsented toremainabbotofhisthreemonasteriesafterhis elevationtotheepiscopate,isdatedfromWin- bourne,2whichwasthegreatfemininecommunity ofWessex,foundedbyKingIna,andruledbyhis sisterCuthburga.Itwasatthesametimethe monasterymostfamedforliteraryactivity.The educationoftheyoungnoviceswastheobjectof themostactiveandscrupulouscare.Intellectual labouralternatedwiththeworksoftheneedle; butitisexpresslysaidofLioba,thenunwhose namehasthrownmostlustreuponthatcommunity, theholycompanionofBonifaceinhisGerman apostleship,thatshedevotedmuchmoretimeto readingandstudyingtheHolyScripturesthan tomanuallabour.3Letusalsonotforgetthat thedevelopmentofspiritualfervourbyprayer

1 "Dilectissimseatqueamahtissimsesorori.. . . Salutotediligenter, Osgitha,exintimocordiscubiculo.. . . Vale! deciesdilectissima,imo, centiesetmillies."—Ibid.,p.90. 2 Ap.Giles,p.351.—Cf.above,p.43. 3 "Crevitergopuellaettantaabbatissseomniumquesorornmcnra erudiebatur,utnihilaliudprsetermonasteriumetccelestisdisciplines studiacognosceret.. . . Quandononlegebat,operabaturmanibusea quaisibiinjunctaerant.. . . Lectionitamenatqueauditionisanctarum Scripturarummagisquamlaborimauuumoperamimpendit."—VitaS. Lioboe,auct.Rudolpho,c.7,ap.ActaSS.0.S.B.,vol.iv. 294 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

andthecontinualcelebrationofthemonastic liturgy,occupiedmuchthegreatestplaceinthe employmentofthetimeandstrengthofallthese youngandgeneroussouls. Thefive TherewerefivehundrednunsatWinbourne, nnnsofdwhowereallpresentatthenightlyservice.1Itis bourne,easytoimaginehowmuchauthority,intelligence, andwatchfulness,werenecessarytorulesucha crowdofyoungsouls,all,nodoubt,inspiredwith theloveofheaven,butall,atthesametime, sprungfromracestoonewlyconvertedtohave freedthemselvesfromthecharacteristicfeaturesof Saxonprideandrudeness.Thisnecessityexplains whyprincessesofthoseancientdynasties,whom theAnglo-Saxonswereaccustomedtofollow evenwithoutalwaysrespectingthem,wereevery wheresoughtforassuperiorsofthegreatcom munities; andwhy,afterthesisterofKingIna, anothersisteroftheking,Tetta,2wascalledto thegovernmentofWinbourne,atthetimewhen Liobawasbeingeducatedthere.Amongthe crowdofminorauthoritieswholenttheiraid tothiszealousandpiousabbess,wastheprovost (preposita),thedeaconess(decana),theportress, whosebusinessitwastoclosethechurchafter complines,andtoringthebellformatins,andwho

1 VitaS.JAobce,c.5. 2 "Huicergolocopostnonnullasabbatissasetspiritalesmatresprse- lataestvirgoreligiosanomineTetta,generequidemsecundumsseculi dignitatemnobilis(sororquipperegiserat),morumautemprobitate etsanctarumspectaminevirtutummultonobilior."—Ibid.,c.2. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 295 wasfurnishedwithanimmensecollectionofkeys, someofsilver,othersofcopperoriron,according totheirdifferentdestinations.1Butneitherthe ranknormoralinfluenceoftheprincess-abbesswas alwayssuccessfulinrestrainingthebarbarousim rpetuosityJ ofthatmonasticyouth.J ThenunwhotreadThenovicesthe heldthefirstrankamongthemaftertheabbess,toinlj°f ° theirmis- andwhowasprincipallyoccupiedwiththecareof£«stsunder thenovices,madeherselfodiousbyherextreme severity: whenshedied,thehatewhichshein spiredburstforthwithoutpity: shewasnosooner buriedthanthenovicesandyoungnunsrushedto thechurchyard,andbegantojumpanddanceupon hertomb,asiftotreadunderfootherdetested corpse.Thiswentsofarthatthesoil,freshlyfilled in,whichcoveredtheremainsoftheirenemy,sank halfa footbelowthelevelofthesurrounding ground.Theabbesshadgreattroubletomake themfeelwhatshecalledthehardnessandcruelty oftheirhearts,andwhichshepunished*byimpos inguponthemthreedaysoffastingandprayers forthedeceased.2

1 VitaS.Lidbce,c.5. 2 "Neetamenconquievitanimusjuvenumodientiumeam,quin statimutaspicerentlocuminquosepultaest,maledieerentcrudelitati ejus; immoascendentestumulum,ctquasifunestumcadaverconcul- cantes,insolatiumdolorissuiamarissimisinsultationibusmortueeexpro- brarent.QuodcummatercongregationisvenerabilisTettacomperisset, temerariamjuvencularumprsesumptionemcorreptionisvigorecompescens, perrexitadtumulumetmiruminmodumconspexitterramqusedesuper congestaeratsubsedisseetusqueadsemipedisspatiuminfrasummitatem sepulcridescendisse."—Ibid.,c.3. 296 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

IV.

Allthatremainstobesaidofthestrange monastery,butgeneralinstitutionofdoublemonasteries— thatis,twodistinctcommunitiesofmonksand nunslivingtogetherinthesameplaceandunder thesamegovernment—maybeattachedtothe nameofWinbourne.Itisofalltheestablish mentsofthiskindtheonewhoseorganisationis bestknowntous.Wehavealreadymetwith theinstitutioninFrankishGaul,withStEadegund andStColumbanus,atPoitiers,atRemiremont, andelsewhere.WeshallfindthemagaininBel giumandGermanyassoonasthemonasticmis sionariesshallhavecarriedthelightoftheGospel there.Theiroriginhasbeenlargelydiscussed,1 andwedonotpretendtogiveanydecisionon thesubject.Examplesmaybefoundamongthe FathersofthedesertinEgyptandasfarbackas thetimesofStPacome,2who,however,placedthe Nilebetweenthetwocommunitiesunderhisgov ernment.Wehavealreadypointedoutaremark ableattemptatthesameinstitutioninSpain causedbytheprodigiouscrowdofmonastic neophytesofbothsexeswhogatheredroundSt

1 Mabillon,Ann.Bened.,vol.i.p.125; Lanigan,Eccles.Hist,of Ireland,vol.ii.p.19,20;Lingahd,Antiquities,vol.i.212;andabove allVamn,2dMemoir,alreadyfrequentlyquoted. 2 Seevol.i.p.309.Cf.Palladius,Hist.Zausiaca,30-42; Bollanb., vol.iii.May,p.304. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 297

Fructuosus.1Notwithstandingtheassertionof Muratoritothecontrary,theunassailabletesti monyofBedeprovesthattherewasatleastone communityofthesamekindinEomeinthemiddle oftheseventhcentury.2 Theseestablishments,however,weremorepop ularinIrelandthananywhereelse,wherethey sprangspontaneouslyfromthebeginningofthe conversionoftheisland,tosucha pointthatthe apostleofthecountry,StPatrick,sawhimself obligedtoforestallbywiseprecautionsthedis ordersandscandalswhichmighthavearisenfrom thetoocloseandfrequentintercourseofthemonks andnuns.3Atthesametime,thefirstpontiffs andmissionariesofHibernia,strongintheexcep tionalpurityoftheIrishtemperament,whichhas continuedtoourowndaythegloriousprivilege oftherace,andstrongaboveallintheirown fervourandexclusivepassionforthesalvationof —se*ls,fearedneitherthesocietyofthewomenthey hadconverted,northechargeofgoverningthem

1 Seeabove,vol.ii.p.213. 2 "CummonachumquemdamdevicinoVirginummonasterio,nomine Andream,pontificiofferret,hieabomnibusquinovere,dignusepiscopatu judicatusest."—Hist.Eccl.,vol.iv.p.1. Muratorimaintainsthat doublemonasterieshavealwaysbeenunknowninItaly.—Antiquit. MediiJlvi,vol.v.p.527. 3 "Sanxivitutamulieribusvirisequestrarentur,etutriquesuasedificia etoratoriadistinetaconstruerentnr."—Jocelinus,Vii.S.Patr.,ap. Bollahd,p.592.Theninthcanonofthe2dcouncil,whichisattri butedtohim,isthusexpressed: "Monachusetvirgo,unusabhincet aliaabaliunde,inunohospitiononcommeant,necinunocurruavilla invillamdiscurrant,necassidueinvicemconfabulationemexerceant."— Ap.Coletti,vol.iv.p.754. 298 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

whentheywishedtodevotethemselvestoGod.1 Lessassuredofthemselves,ifnotmorehumble, theirsuccessors,thosewhoaredescribedassaints ofthesecondorderinthehagiographicalannals ofIreland,declinedtheresponsibilityofadmin isteringthemoreorlessnumerouscommunitiesof virginswhogroupedthemselvesaroundtheolder saints.2Theycarriedthisrestrictionsofarasto refuseaccesstotheirretreateventorecluseswho cametoseektheviaticumfromthem.3However, thecustomofcombiningthefoundation,orat

1 '' Mulierumadministrationemetconsortianonrespucbant: quia superpetramChristifundati,ventumtentationisnontimebant."Ori ginaltextquotedbyUssher.Tothiscategoryofthesaintstheremay beaddedBishopDegaMaccaryl(alreadyspokenofabove,vol.iii.p.89), whodiedin589,andofwhomitissaid: "Confluxeruntundiquead eumsanctaevirgines,utsubejusreguladegerent.. . . Monialesillas versusseptentrionemducens,indiversislocisdiversamonasteria,in quibuscumalliisvirginibusseorsumDeoservirent,eis,proutdecuit, construxit."—Bolland,vol.iii.August,p.660.Itappearsalsothat aneighbouringabbotreproachedtheholybishop,''uteumdesusceptione virginumobjurgaret." ThereisalsothecaseofthethirtygirlsenamouredofStMochuda, whoendedbybecomingnunsunderhisauthority,alreadymentioned, vol.iii.p.91.AndalsothatofStMonynna,thecontemporaryofSt Patrick,who,witheightothervirginsandawidow,wenttotheholy bishopIbar,and"longotemporesubipsiusdisciplinacummultisaliis virginibuspermansit."—Bolland,vol.ii.July,p.291. 2 "Pauciepiscopietmultipresbyteri,diversasmissascelebrabant,et diversasregulas; unumPaschaXIV.lima; unamtonsuramabauread aurem; abnegabantmulierumadministrationem,separanteseasamon- asteriis."—TextquotedbyUssher. 3 ThisisrelatedofStSenanus,who,about530,foundedamonasteryin anislandatthemouthoftheShannon,wherenowomanwaspermitted todisembark:— "Cuipraasul: quidfeminis Communeestcummouachis? Nectenecullamaliam Admittemusininsulam." VitaRkj/tkmica,ap.Lakzoan,ii.7. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 299 leasttheadministration,ofnunneries,alongwith thatofsimilarcommunitiesofmen,continuedto prevail.Butastheholyabbotsdeclinedtounder takethechargeofnuns,theconditionshadto bereversed.Fromthisfact,nodoubt,arosethe singularcustomuniversallyestablishedfromthe seventhcentury,notinIreland,whereI canfind noexampleofit,butinalltheIrishcolonies,of twounitedcommunities,placed,notthenuns undertheruleofanecclesiastic,butthemonks underSuchthatwasofthethestateabbessofofthingstheirinneighbouringthefoundationsnuns.

whichwehaveseendevelopundertheinfluenceof StColumbanus,theIrishapostleoftheGauls,in theVosges,inthevalleyoftheMarneandofthe Seine; andsuchtooaretheconditionswhichwe shallfindinBelgiumwhenweconsiderthemonas ticinfluenceoftheIrishandBritonsthere.The Anglo-Saxonprincessesdevotedtothecloisterfound thiscustomestablishedinthehouseswherethey receivedtheirmonasticeducationinGaul,atFare- moutier,lesAndelys,Chelles,andJouarre,1and broughtit intoEngland,whereit wasimme diatelyadopted; forofallthegreatnunneries ofwhichwehavespoken,notonewaswithouta monasteryofclerksorpriestsplacedatthegates ofthecommunityofnuns,andruledbytheir abbess.2LetusrecallonlyWhitby,wherethe

1 Bede,iii.8. Mabillon,ActaSS.0.S.B.,i. 420,iii.20. 2 "Erateotemporemonasteriisfeminarum,amplisprsesertimacnumer 300 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

PrincessHildadirectedthemonastery-school,the nurseryofsomanybishopsandmissionaries, butofwhichthecowherd-poetCeadmon,sooften quoted,remainstheprincipalcelebrityandEly, whereQueenEtheldredaattractedbyherexample, andarrayedunderherauthority,notonlyholy priests,butevenmenofelevatedrankinsecular life.2Nodoubtthenecessityofprovidingforthe spiritualwants,inthefirstplace,ofthenumerous nunswhofilledthesemonasteries,andofthelay populationspreadoverthevastlandswhichthe foundress,generallya princessofthereigning dynasty,conferreduponhercommunity,contri butedmorethananythingelsetotheextension ofsosingulara custom.Thepriestsandclerks chargedwiththisdoublemissionfoundthemselves naturallycollected,ina sortofcommunityunder theauthorityofherwhowasatoncethespiritual superiorandthelady—theseigneuress,ifsucha wordmaybeused—ofthemonasticlands.3The wholetogetherformedasortofvastfamily,gov ernedbyamotherinsteadofafather,maternity beingthenaturalformofauthority—allthemoreso astheneophyteswereoftenadmittedwithalltheir dependants,aswasCeadmon,whoenteredWhitby

osis,conjunctavirorum,quiiissacraadministrarent,etfamiliamreli- quamerudirent: eidemtamenabbatissseomnesobediebant."—Bolland., DeS.Cedmono,vol.ii.February,p.552. 1 Seevol.iv.p.66. 2Seevol.iv.p.242.AnotherinstanceisthatofRepton,whereStGuth- lacbecameamonkundertheAbbessElfrida.Seep.117ofthisvolume. 3Lingard,Antiquities,vol.i.p.212. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 301 withallbelongingtohim,includingachildofthree yearsold,whomBededescribesasbeingnursedand caredforinthecellofthelearnednunsofBarking.1 TheGreco-AsiaticArchbishopTheodore,when hecamefromRometocompletetheorganisation oftheAnglo-SaxonChurch,2doesnotappearto haverelishedthisinstitution,whichwasnotun knowntotheChristianEast,butwhichhadprob ablyleftequivocalrecollectionsbehindit. Inone ofhischargesheforbidsallnewfoundationsofthis description,thoughrespectingthosewhichalready existed.3Butlikesomanyothercanonsandde crees,hisprohibitionwasdisregarded; communi tiesfoundedafterhisdeath,likeWinbourne,were infullflowerintheeighthcentury,andnothing indicatesthatdoublemonasterieshadceasedto flourishuptothegeneraldestructionofmonas teriesbytheDanesattheendoftheninthcentury. Theyweresweptawaybythatcalamity,andno traceofthemistobefoundinthemonasticre vivalofwhichKingAlfredandthegreatAbbot Dunstanweretheauthors.Itwasapeculiarity belongingtotheyouthoftheChurch,which,like 1 '' Csedmon. . . susceptuminmonasteriumcumomnibussuisfra- trumeohortiassociavit."—Hist.Eccl.,iv.24. "Puertriumcirciteranno- rum. . . quipropterinfantilemadhucsetateminvirginumDeodedi- catarumsolebateellanutriri,ibiquemedicari."—Ibid.,iv.8. Wemeet withmanyexamplesofamotheranddaughterortwosistersbeingdedi catedtoGodinthesameconvent.—Cf.Bede,v.3. 2 Seevol.iv.p.201. 3 "Nonlicetvirisfeminashaberemonachas,nequefeminisviros,tamen nondestruamusilludquodconsuetudoestinhacterra."—CapUulaet Fragmenta,ap.Thorpe,AncientLawsandInstitutes,p.307. 302 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. youthinallcircumstances,wentthroughallthe difficulties,dangers,storms,anddisordersofnature propertothatage,whichdisappearinmaturertimes. Thisinstitution,however,isa newandvery strikingproofofthepowerofwomaninthesocial order,a factwhichwehavealreadypointedout, followingtheexampleofTacitus,bothamongthe GermansandBritons.1Maintained,consolidated, and,incertainrespects,sanctifiedbytheChristian spiritamongtheAnglo-Saxons,ithasremained verypowerfulintherace.Ithasproducedthat deferenceatonceofficialandpopularfortheweaker sex,and,I willinglyadd,thatpublicmodestyof whichtheAnglo-Saxonsofthepresentdayinthe UnitedStatesgiveussobrilliantandhonourable anexampleintheirprimaryschoolsforboys,di rectedofteninthemidstofgreatcities,byyoung girls,whoareprotectedagainstalloutrage,and evenallsarcasm,bytheuniversalrespectofboth fathersandsons.2 Letushastentoaddthatevenatthisprimitive periodnotraceoftheabusesordisorderswhich thesuspiciousspiritofmoderncriticismmightsum monintobeing,aretobefound.Thisisexplained bytheprecautionseverywheretobemetwithwhen doublemonasteriesexisted,andwhichseemnever tohavebeendiscontinued.Thedoublefamilylived

1 "Nequeenimsexuminimperiodiscernunt."—Agric,c.16. "Soli- tumBritanniafeminarumductubellare."—Annal.,xiv.35. 2 EmiledeLaveleye,DeVInstructionPubliqueenAmMque,con firmedbytheaccountsofallimpartialtravellers. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 303 separately,in twobuildingsentirelydistinct,1 thoughnear.Asa generalrulethenunsdidnot leavetheircloister,andthemonkswerestrictly forbiddentoentertheenclosurereservedtothe nuns,withoutthepermissionoftheabbess,and thepresenceofseveralwitnesses.AtWinbourne, whichmustalwaysbequotedasthetypeofestab lishmentsofthisdescription,thetwomonasteries rosesidebyside,liketwofortresses,eachsur roundedbybattlementedwalls.Theausterityof primitivedisciplineexistedinfullvigouratthe timewhenLioba,whowasdestined,underthe auspicesofStBoniface,tointroduceconventual lifeamongthewomenofGermany,residedthere. Thepriestswereboundtoleavethechurchim mediatelyafterthecelebrationofmass,bishops themselveswerenotadmittedintothenunnery, andtheabbesscommunicatedwiththeexternal world,togiveherorderstoherspiritualandtem poralsubjects,onlythroughabarredwindow.2 Coldinghamistheonlygreatcommunityofthis kindmentionedinhistory,thememoryofwhich 1 "Multidefratribusejusdemmonasteriiquialiiserantinaidibus" (Bede,iii.8),regardingFaremoutier."Eammonasteriipartem,qua ancillarumDeicatervaavirorumeratsecretacontubernio" (Ibid.,iv. 7),astoBarking. 2 "Porroipsacongregationismater,quandoaliquidexteriorumproutili- tatemonasteriiordinarevelmandarenecesseerat,perfenestramloque- batur,etindedecernebatqusecumqueordinandaautmandandautilitatis ratioexigebat.. . . Virginesverocumquibusipsaindesinentermanebat, adeoimmunesavirorumvoluitesseconsortio,,utnontantumlaicisaut clericis,verumetiamipsisquoqueepiscopisincongregationemearum negaretingressum."—VitaS.Liobce,auct.Rudolpho,c.2,ap.ActaSS. 0.S.B.,ssec.iii.p.2. 304 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. isnotirreproachable,afactwhichhasbeenalready- mentionedintreatingofthehistoricalpositionof theNorthumbrianprincess,Ebba,foundressofthat house.1Itmust,however,befullygrantedthat thescandalspointedoutbythesevereandsincere Bedearenotsuchaswemightbetemptedtoex pect; theyareratherfailuresinobediencetothe cloistralrule,thananyinfringementsofChristian morality.Thesescandals,besides,whethersmall orgreat,weregloriouslyatonedforinthefollow ingcentury,when,underanotherEbba,thenuns ofColdingham,toescapefromthebrutalityofthe Danishconquerors,cutofftheirnosesandHps, andbytheirheroicself-mutilationaddedthepalm ofmartyrdomtothatofvirginity.2 Withthissingleexception,theunanimoustesti monyofcontemporaryauthors,aswellasofmore recentannalists,doesfullhomagetotheobedience torule,thefervour,andevenausterityofthedouble monasteriesamongtheAnglo-Saxons.Agreat numberofthemostillustriousfemalesaints,and prelatesmostdistinguishedbytheirvirtuesand knowledge,wereeducatedinthesecommunities, whichweresurroundedbyuniversalveneration, andwhosepurefamewasnevertarnishedbythe breathofcalumny.3

1 Seevol.iv.p.77. 2 "Exeniplum. . . nonsolumsancthnonialibusillisproficuum,verum etiamomuibussuecessurisvirginibusseternaliteramplcctendum."— Matth.West.,Koq.Wendov.,Kio.Cirenc,ii.70. 3 LlngAKd,I.C. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 305

Isthistosaythatallwasperfectinthemonas-The ...0 ■, abusesof ticinstitutionsofthecountryandtimewhichItheAngio- Saxon haveundertakentobringtotheknowledgeofthemonas- ° teries. world? GodforbidthatIshouldthusattemptto deceivemyreaders.ThemoreI advanceinmy laboriousandthanklesstask—thatistosay,the nearerI approachtomygrave—themoredoI feelmasteredandoverpoweredbyanardentand respectfulloveoftruth,themoredoI feelmyself incapableofbetrayingtruth,evenforthebenefit ofwhatImostloveherebelow.Themereideaof addingashadowtothosewhichalreadyshroudit, fillsmewithhorror.Toveilthetruth,tohideit, toforsakeitunderthepretenceofservingthe causeofreligion,whichisnothingbutsupreme truth,wouldbe,inmyopinion,toaggravatealie byakindofsacrilege.Forgiveme,alltimidand scrupuloussouls! ButIholdthatinhistoryevery thingshouldbesacrificedtotruth—thatitmust bealwaysspoken,oneverysubject,andinitsfull integrity.Thelyingpanegyric,wheretruthissac rificedmerelybyleavingoutwhatistrue,isquite asrepugnanttomeastheinvectivesofcalumny. I havethereforesoughtwithconscientiouscare forevidencesofalltheabusesanddisorderswhich couldexistinEnglishmonasteries,andespeciallyin nunneries.IfI havefoundalmostnothing,itis notforwantofhavingthoroughlysearchedthrough thehistoriansandotherwritersofthetime.Imay thenventuretoconcludethatevil,whichisinsepar- vol.v. u 30G THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

ablefromeverythinghuman,hasleftfewertraces intheAnglo-Saxoncloistersthanelsewhere. Ihesitatetoinsistwiththesameseveritywhich wasshownbythepontiffsanddoctorsofthetime onthefirstoftheircomplaintsagainsttheAnglo- Luxuryin Saxoncommunities,theexcessivelikingforrich dress. andfinestuffs,inwhichcertainnunslovedtodress

themselvesafterhavingmadethem.Thesewonders ofthedistaffandbroidery-needle,astheywereused intheEnglishcloisters,excitednotonlytheanxiety buttheindignationofthemastersofspirituallife. Bedefoundnothingmoreserioustonoteinthe transgressionswhichweretodrawdownthewrath ofheavenuponColdingham.1Boniface,whenhe becamearchbishopandpontificallegateinGer many,didnothesitatetoindicatethisasoneofthe greatestdangersofmonasticlife.2Aldhelmexerts allhisrhetorictopreservehisfriendsatBarking fromtherevoltingluxurydisplayedbytheclergy ofbothsexesintheirvestments,andespeciallyby theabbessesandnuns,whoworescarletandviolet tunics,hoodsandcuffstrimmedwithfursandsilk; whocurledtheirhairwithahotironallround theirforeheads; whochangedtheirveilintoan ornament,arrangingitinsuchawayastomake

1 "Texendissubtilioribusindumentisoperamdant,quibusatseipsas advicemsponsaruminpericulumsuistatusadornent,autexternorum sibivirorumamicitiamcomparent.Undemerito. . . deccelovindicta flammisssevientibusprseparataest."—Hist.Ecel.,iv.25. 5 "Utclericosetsanctitnonialesdetenuitateetpompavestiumargue- ret."—Guill.Malmesb.,e.82,p.115.Seeabovethetextoftheletter. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 307 itfalltotheirfeet;andwho,finally,sharpened andbenttheirnailssoastomakethemlikethe clawsoffalconsandotherbirdsofprey,destined bynaturetochasetheverminuponwhichthey feed.1 TheCouncilofCloveshove,however,justified747. theseaccusationsbyordainingthemonksandnuns tokeeptothecostumeoftheirpredecessors,andin particulartorecalltotheirmindsthesimpleand puredresswhichtheyputoninthedayoftheir profession,thattheymightnolongerresembleby atoogayexteriorthewomenoftheworld.2 Letuspassontofactsofa gravernature.Do wenotmeetonourpathsomeofthosedisorders which,inmoderntimes,thereligiousordershave beenaccusedofasunpardonablecrimes? Has compulsionneverbeenemployedtoimposemon asticlifeupontheyoungAnglo-Saxons? I am ledtosupposethatsuchathingmustsometimes haveoccurredwhenIreadinthePenitentiaryof ArchbishopTheodorethatdaughterswhomtheir parentshadcompelledtobecomenunsshouldbe

1 "Subuculabissina,sivehyacinthea,tunicacoccineacapitiumetmaui- csesericisclavatecalliculserubricatespellibusambiuntur,anticsefrontis ettemporumcicinicalamistrocrispantur,pullacapitisvelaminacandidis etcoloratismafortibuscedunt,queevittarumnexibusassutetaloterms prolixiusdependunt,unguesritufalconumetaccipitrum,seucertecav- annarum(sic)quosnaturaliteringenitaedendinecessitasinstigat,obunca pedumfuscinulaetrapaciungularumarpiginealitesetsoricescrudeliter insectandograssari."—DeLaudibmVirginit.,c.58.Cf.c.17and56. 2 "Nondebentiterumhabereiudumentassecularia,etornatisetnitidis vestibusincedere,quibuslaicsepuellseutisolent."—Can.28,ap.CoLEmr, vol.viii.p.331. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

exemptedfromallpunishment,evenspiritual,if theymarriedafterwards.1 AttemptsWasthevirginalmodestyofthesebrides,of- modestytheLord,whichtheAnglo-Saxons,surroundedby somuchnationalandpopularveneration,always respectedbythosewhooccupiedthefirstrankin thenewly-convertednations,andforthatreason oughttohaveshownthemanexample\ I amobligedtoadmitthatthiswasnotthe case.Contemporarydocumentsofunquestionable authorityprovethatmorethanoneAnglo-Saxon kingseemstohavetakenspecialpleasureinseek inghispreyamongthevirginsconsecratedto God.2Itisprobablethattheprincesandnobles followedbuttoooftentheexampleofthekings. Besidesdiversincidentswhichhaveretaineda placeinhistory,themanyprovisionsofthepenal lawsundertheAnglo-SaxonandAnglo-Norman kings,fromAlfredtoHenryL,againsttherapeof nuns—evenwhenfollowedbysubsequentmarriage —andotheroutragestotheirmodesty,provethat suchcrimesweresufficientlywellknowntoexact habitualandenergeticrepression.3Itisbuttoo 1 "Puellsequee.nonparentumcoactceimperio,sedspontaneojudicio, virginitatispropositumatquehabitumsusceperuut,siposteanuptias diligunt,prcevaricantur,etiamsiconsecrationonaccesserit."—LiberPosni- tentialis,c.xvi.§24,ap.Thorpe,p.282. 2 Seewhatissaidabove,quotingtheepistlesofStBoniface,asto Osred,KingofNorthumbria,andCeolredandEthelbald,KingsofMercia. 3 ThelawsofAlfredforesawandpunishedoffencesagainstthepurity ofnunsbythefollowingregulations:— "§ 8.Veconcubitununne.Quiduxeritsanctimonialemabecclesia, sinelicentiaregisautepiscopi,amendede120sols; " halftotheking THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 300 easytoimaginethefascinationwithwhichmen stillhalfbarbariansmusthavebeenattractedto wardsthecrowdsofyounggirls,oftenbeautiful andofhighlineage,alwayspure,welleducated,and trainedintheutmostdelicacytowhichcivilisation thenreached,whoweregatheredtogetherinthe spiritualfortresseswhichmightguardthemagainst thetemptationsofsecularlife,butwereineffectual toprotectthemfromtheassaultsofthegreatones ofthisearth,traditionallyaccustomedtosacrifice everythingtothegratificationoftheirpassions. Stillmoresurprisingandafflictingarethede creesgivenbytheprincipalspirituallegislatorsof thecountry,thegreatarchbishops,Theodoreof CanterburyandEgbertofYork,whichforeseeand punishtransgressionsofcloistralcontinencein whichviolencecouldhavenopart,andwhichlead ustosupposethatsuchcrimesmightbecom mittedevenbythosewhosedutyitwastowatch overthepurityofthesanctuary—thosewhose sacredcharacteroughttohaveimposeduponthem halftothebishop"etipsiuseccleshcdominocujusmonachafuit."If shesurviveshim"quiearnabduxit,nihildepecuniaejushabeat."If shehasachild"nihilindeHabeatinfans,sicutnecmaterejus." "§18.Siquisnunnam,causafornicationis,investesautinsinum, sinelicentiacomprehendat,sithocduploamendabile,sicutanteade laicadecrevimus."—Ap.Thorpe,p.32,34,fol.ed. Thesameoffenceispunishedbysection4ofKingEdmond'secclesias ticallaws(940-946)bydeprivationofChristianburial,"unlesshemake bot,nomorethanaman-slayer." Art39ofthelawsoftheCouncilofEnhamunderEthelredsays,"If anyonedefileanun,lethimmakebotdeeplybeforeGodandtheworld." ThelawofHenryI.,art.73,DenunnrconcubUu,orderstheculpritto gotoRome: "adeatPapametconsiliumejusscirefaciat." 310 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. thestrongestofallrestraints—bypriestsandeven bishops.1Letusstate,however,that,atleastdur ingtheperiodofwhichwehavespoken,history reportsnoknownincidentwhichgivessupport tothehumiliatingprovisionsofthelaw; andwe mayaddthatArchbishopTheodoremighthave broughtfromhisEasternhomethefearorrecol lectionofcertainexcessesandcorruptionswhich werestrangetothecharacterandhabitsofthe northernnations,andhavegiventhema placein hislawsundertheformofusefulwarnings.We shouldruntheriskoffallinginto,injusticeand absurditydidwedrawfromsuchandsuchapro visionofthepenalcodetheconclusionthatcrimes thusstigmatisedandpunishedwerehabitually committedbythenationwhichbyitslawspro testedagainstthem.2

1 TheLiberPcenitentialisofTheodore(chap,xvi.)providesforthecase wherealayman"fornicationeminireturcummultis. . . sanetimoniali- bus,itautctiamnumerumnesciat,"andcondemnstheculprittoten years'fasting,threeonbreadandwater.Chap,xviii.,Defornica- tioneclericorum,givestwelveyearsofpenancetoaguiltybishop,tento apriest,eighttoamonkordeacon,fivetoaclerk.Thenunisequally punished.Iftherearechildren,thepenanceisprolongedtofifteen, twelve,ten,eight,andsixyears. Themarriedlayman"maculanssecumVncillaDei: " sixyears,two withbreadandwater; sevenyearsifhehasachild; fiveifheisnot married.Hiscompanioninguiltthesame. "§20.Si(ruismonachamquamancillamDeiappellant,inconjugio duxerit,anathemasit."—Ap.Thorpe,p.282,283. '' Monachusvelpuellaconsecrata,sifornicatifuerint,septemannos jejunent."—Ecgberti,Arch.Ebor.,Confcssionale,art.13.Of.Ecgberti Excerptiones,No.134and136. 3 What,forexample,wouldbethoughtofahistorianwhofromthe textofart.310ofourPenalCodeconcludedthattheoffenceitpunishes wascommoninFrance? THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 311

Impartiality,besides,requiresustoremindour readersofallthathasbeenalreadysaidinrespect totheabusesthathadcreptintothemonasticorder fromthetimeofBede; uponthefalsemonasteries whichwerenothingbutlandsworkedtotheprofit oflaydonors,ridiculouslytrickedoutinthetitle ofabbot; anduponthefalsemonksandnunswho inhabitedthesecontrabandmonasteries*andlived thereineverykindofdisorder.1Tothesepre tenders,who,notwithstandingtheirknowncha racter,boreneverthelessthetitleofmonachior sanctimoniales,arenodoubttobemostgenerally imputedtheexcessesassailedintheordinancesof theEnglishmetropolitansandbythelettersofSt Boniface; andletushopethattheaccusationcon veyedintheterribleanduntranslatablewordsof hislettertotheKingofMercia,"Illcemeretrices, siveinonasterialessivesaculares,"11maybereferred tothesameclass.Finally,itmaybeaddedthat thegreatapostle,whowasinspiredatonceby loveofreligionanddesireforthehonourofhis

1 Wemayhererecallthepassagealreadypartiallyquoted: "Qtrod enimturpeestdicere,totsubnominemonasteriorumloca(sk)hiqui monachicsevitaeprorsussuntexpertesinsuamditionemaceeperunt.. . . Velmajorescelereatqueimpudentia,quipropositumcastitatisnon habent,luxuriseacfornicationideserviant,nequeabipsissacratisDeo virginibusabstineant."—Bed.eEpist.adEcgbert.,c.6. 2 EpistolceS.Bonifacii,No.59,ed.Jaffg,p.175.Hesaj-salso,ina lettertoArchbishopEgbertofYork:"Inauditumenimmalumest prseteritissseculisetintriplovelquadruplosodomitanamluxuriamvin- cens,utgensChristiana. . . despiciatlegitimamatrimonia. . . et nefandastupraconsecratarumetvelatarumfeminarumsequatur."— Ibid.,No.61. 312 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

country,spokeonlybyhearsay; thathismostvio lentaccusationsaretemperedbyexpressionsof doubt;andthatheneverhimselfcomplainedon hisownauthorityofanythinghehadpersonally knownorseenbeforehisdepartureforGermany, butonlywhathadbeencarriedtohimbyreport, moreorlesswellfounded,duringthecourseof hismissionsinGermany.

ThelettersThecorrespondenceofStBoniface,whichisa faceand preciousanduniquemine1ofinformationastothe spomieutsideasandinstitutionsoftheTeutonicracesattheir mostcontainan-theentranceintoChristianity,revealstousbesides,in tlienticm- » up™athTmanvaspects,thespiritwhichreignedintheclois- sou'sinthe^eTSinhabitedbyAnglo-Saxonnuns.Beforeas siwon wenasafterhisapostoliccareerinGermany,Wine- coiare. frequent£re(^^eandm0S£intimateiUustriousintercoursemonkinwithEssex,thekeptmostup

distinguishednunsofhiscountry.Theletters whichhewrotetothem,andthosewhichhere ceivedfromthem,acquiredadoubleinterestafter

1 Itmayberemarkedthattheusefulnessofthiscollectionisgreatly lessenedbythemaniaofeachofitseditors(WUrdweinin1789,Gilesin 1844,andMignein1863),subsequenttothefirstpublicationbySerrarius in1605,forchangingtheorderandnumberingoftheEpistles.Wehave adoptedthenumbersgiveninthelastandextremelycorrecteditionby .TafFe(MonumcutaMoguntina,inBibliothecaReruinGermanicarum,vol. iii.,Berolini,1866),whothinkshehassucceededinintroducingacertain chronologicalorderentirelywantingintheoldereditions. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 313 hisdeparturefortheyetunexploredregionsin whichmartyrdomawaitedhim.Onlyaverysmall numberofthemremainstous; butthefewwhich havebeenpreservedsufficetoaffordusaglimpse ofwhatwaspassinginthesoulsofthesegenerous, intelligent,andimpassionedwomen,whoselifewas passedintheshadowofmonasteries,andamong whomthegreatmissionaryfoundnotonlyde votedsympathy,butthemostactiveanduseful assistants. Itisevident,inthefirstplace,fromthispicture, thatallwasnothappinessandgentlenessinthe cloister.Weareallapttoexaggeratebothinthe pastandpresentthepeaceandserenityofreligious lifeamidthestormseitheroftheancientworld,so violent,warlike,andunsettled,orofmodernsoci ety,sofrivolousinitsemotions,soservile,andso changeableinitsservility.Wearerighttolook uponthecloisterasa nestsuspendedamidthe branchesofagreattreeshakenbythewinds,or liketheinnerchamberofavesselbeatenbythe waves.Itisinthemidstofthestorm,yetin itthereisshelter; a refugealwaysthreatened, alwaysfragile,alwaysperishable,butstillarefuge. Outsideisthenoiseofthewaves,therain,andthe thunder;ateverymomentdestructionispossible, orevennear.Butinthemeantimethesoulis safe; itiscalm,protected,preserved,andsailson withhumbleconfidencetowardstheport.Such ajoyissufficientlytemperedbythesenseofin 314 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. securitytobesafefrombecominginitselfadan ger,atemptationtolaxityortopride. Butinthisnestandinthisbark,preservedfrom externaltempests,howmanystormsandperilsand sunkenrocksarewithin! Eveninthemidstofthe mostpeacefulandbestregulatedcommunity,what atrialisthereinthedailydeathofindividualwill! inthelonghoursofobscurityandsilencewhich succeedtotheeffortandimpulseofsacrifice! and intheperpetualsacrifice,continuallyborne,con tinuallyrenewed! Amodernmasterofspiritual lifehassaid,withsevereclear-sightedness,"The continuityaloneoftheexercises,which,although varied,havealwayssomethinginthemthatgoes againsthumaninclinations,fromthemomentthat theyaredonebyruleandfortheserviceofGod,be comesveryfatiguing."1Whatarayofpitilesslight isthusthrownupontheweaknessofthehuman heart! Itaccustomsitselftotherules,habits,and eventothemostonerousobligationswhichhavea purelyearthlyaim.Butfromthemomentthatit isaworkforGod,dislikeappears.Thedifficulty mustbemetandsurmounteddaybyday.Thisis thegreatexertion,andalsotheinfinitemerit,of cloistrallife. Ifthisisthecaseevenamongourcontempor aries,whohavebeensolongfashionedbyChristian

1 NoticeoftheSoctete'deJaSainte-Ketraite,commencedatFontenelles, inthedioceseofBesancon,1787,byM.Receveur,p.19ofthetextcor rectedin1791. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 315 educationanddiscipline,whatmusthavebeenimpas- sioned theeffectuponA theSaxonmaidensoftheseventhwrittenlettersby andeighthcenturies,sprungfromaracestillnewthenuns- andyounginthewaysoftheLord,andwhichwas stillsoimpetuous,soturbulent,soenamouredof itsownstrength,freedom,anduntamedindepen dence? Tothematerialrestraint,which,though voluntarilyaccepted,mightwelllieheavyupon them,wereaddedotherprivationsofwhichtheyhad notperhapscalculatedbeforehandalltheextent. Hencethoserestrainedbutincurableagitations, thosecriesofdistress,thosevaguebutardentand impetuousdesires,whichbreakforthinthepages onwhichtheypouredouttheirheartstothe greatestandholiestoftheircountrymen. Itistoberegrettedthatthesecandidandeager soulshadrecoursetoLatintoexpresstheiremo tionsandconfidences.Iftheyhademployedtheir nativeidiominsteadofa languagewhich,though notdead,sinceitisthelanguageofspirituallife, musthavecostthemmanyeffortseretheybecame familiarwithit,weshouldnodoubthaveseentheir thoughtsflowforthmorefreely,precipitatingthem selvesintumultuouswaves,inabruptmovements, bearingthecharacteristicmarkofapowerfuland impassionedoriginality,liketheverseofCeadmon orthepoemofBeowulf.Evenundertheartificial constraintimposeduponthembytheuseofLatin, thereaderfeelstheswellinglifeandforceofan original,sincere,andvehementnature. 316 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

Themoststrikingpeculiarityoftheseletters, inwhichunpractisedhandsreveal,inLatinmore orlessclassical,andinsuperlativesmoreorless elegant,theagitationsoftheirhearts,istheneces sitytheyfeeltoexpressthetenderness,wemight evensaythepassion,whichanimatesthem.The intensityoftheaffectionwhichunitedsomeof themtoeachother,maybeimaginedfromthe tenderenthusiasmoflanguagewithwhichthey addressthemonkwhohasgainedtheirconfidence. Hereisanexampletakenfromaletterwrittento Winefred,afterthefirstsuccessofhismissionin Germany,bytheAbbessBugga,whoissupposed tohavebeenthedaughterofa kingofWessex, andwhowasconsequentlyofthesameraceasher illustriouscorrespondent1:— "IdonotceasetothankGodforallthatIhave learnedbyyourblessedletter; thatHehasledyou mercifullythroughsomanyunknowncountries; thatHehasfavourablyinclinedtowardsyouthe heartofthePontiffofgloriousRome; thatHehas castdownbeforeyoutheenemyoftheCatholic Church,RadbodtheFrisian.ButIdeclaretoyou thatnorevolutionoftime,nohumanvicissitude, canchangethestateofmymindtowardsyou,nor

1 Therearetwo,ifnotthree,nunsofthenameofBugga,amongBoni face'scorrespondents.WeagreewiththeeditorofNotesonthemonas tictomlisdiscoveredatHackness,p.35,thattheoneherealludedtois thesamewhoseecclesiasticalbuildingsarecelebratedinthepoembySt Aldhelm(Migne,Patrology,vol.lxxxix.p.289),andtowhomStBoni facewrotehisletter8(i,ed..1afI'd,commencing,"0sororcarissima." THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 317 turnitfromlovingyouasI amresolved.The fervouroflovesoinspiresme,thatIamprofoundly convincedofarrivingatcertainreposebyyour prayers.I renew,then,myentreatiestoyoutoin tercedeinfavourofmylowlinesswiththeLord.I havenotyetbeenabletoobtainthePassionsoftha Martyrs,whichyouaskmefor.Iwillgetthemas soonasIcan.Butyou,dearest,sendme,formy consolation,thatcollectionofExtractsfromthe HolyScriptureswhichyouhavepromisedmein yoursweetletter.Ibeseechyoutooffertheobla tionoftheholymassforoneofmyrelations, calledN.,whomI lovedaboveall. I sendyou bythebeareroftheselinesfiftysolsandanaltar- cloth; I havenotbeenabletoprocureanything better.Itisa littlegift,butisofferedyouwith greatlove."1 BonifaceandthecompanionsofhismissionwereAnswers notlessaffectionateandunreservedintheirepisto-affectionate .. . . -,..°fBoniface laryJ communicationswiththeirsistersinreligion,° com-»ndhis Hewrotetothosewhomhehopedtodrawtohisprions, aid,andassociatewithhimselfinhisapostolic work,asfollows: "Tomyvenerable,estimable, anddearestsisters,Leobgitha,Thekla,andCyne- gilda,andtoalltheothersisterswhodwellwith 1 "VenerandoDeifamulo. . . BonifaciosiveWynfrithodignissimo DeipresbyteroBuggavilisvernacula,perpetuaicaritatissalutem.. . . Eomagisconfiteor,quodnullavarietastcmporaliumvicissitudinumsta- tummentismeseinclinarequeat.. . . Sedardentiusvisamorisinme calescit,dumproeertocognosco.. . . Ettu,miearissimus(sic),dirige messparvitatiadconsolationem,quodperduleissimaslitterastuaspro- misisti."—Epist.16. 318 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. you,andoughttobelovedlikeyou,inJesusChrist, thesalutationsofaneternalaffection.I conjure andenjoinyoutocontinuetodowhatyouhave doneinthepast,andmustdoalways,thatis,pray God,whoistherefugeofthepoorandthehopeof thehumble,todelivermefrommynecessitiesand temptations,Iwhoamthelastandleastofallto whomtheChurchofRomehasintrustedthepreach ingoftheGospel.Imploreformethemercyof Godthat,atthedaywhenthewolfcomes,I may notflylikeanhireling,butthatI mayfollowthe exampleofthegoodShepherd,andbravelydefend thesheepandthelambs,thatistosay,theCatholic Churchwithitssonsanddaughters,againsthere tics,schismatics,andhypocrites.Onyourside,in theseevildays,benotimprudent.Seekwithin telligencetoknowthewillofGod.Actmanfully withthestrengthgivenyoubyfaith,butdoall withcharityandpatience.RemembertheApostles andProphetswhohavesufferedsomuch,andre ceivedaneternalrecompense*"1 Astillmoretenderconfidenceseemstoinspire himwhenhewritestotheabbessesofthegreat Englishcommunities,andespeciallytoEadburga, whowastosucceedStMildredinthegovernment ofthemonasteryfoundedbyhermotheruponthe shorewhereStAugustinlanded.2Hecallsher 1 "Venerandisetamandiscarissimissororibus. . . seternecaritatissa- lutemobsecroetpracipioquasifiliabuscarissimis.. . . Quiaultimuset pessimussumomniumlegatorum."—Ep.91. 2Seeabove,p.260.TheAbbessEadburgaonlydiedin761,fouryears THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 319

"blessedvirginandbelovedlady,accomplished mistressofthemonasticrule."1Heentreatsherto prayforhimwhileheisbeatenaboutbyallthe stormswhichhemustbraveinthemidstofhea thens,falseChristians,falsepriests,andlicentious clerks.2"DonotbedispleasedthatIalwaysask thesamething.I mustaskoftenforthatwhich Idesireincessantly.Mytroublesaredaily,and eachdaythuswarnsmetoseekthespiritualcon solationsofmybrethrenandsisters."8 Ashistaskbecomesmorelaborioushishearthas moreandmoreoccasiontopouritselfforthtohis oldfriend."Tomybelovedsister,theAbbess Eadburga,longinterwovenwithmysoulbythe tiesofspiritualrelationship.TomysisterEad burga,whomI claspwiththegoldenlinksofspir ituallove,andwhomI embracewiththedivine andvirginkissofcharity,Boniface,bishop,legate oftheRomanChurch,servantoftheservantsof God.. . . Knowthatformysins'sakethecourse ofmypilgrimageisthroughstorms; sufferingand sadnessareeverywherearoundme; andthesad destofallisthesnarelaidbyfalsebrethren,which beforeStBoniface.HecorrespondedwithheraswellaswiththeAbbess ofBarkingbeforehisdepartureforGermany. 1 "BeatissimsevirginiimmodilectissimsedomineeEadburge,monas ticsenormulseconversationisemeritae."—Ep.10. 2 Epist.87,ed.JafK; 27,ed.Serrarius.Thelatterconcludes,from certainpassages,thatthislettermusthavebeenaddressedtoEad burga,althoughitbearsnoname,andsayssimply: "Reverendissimse acdileetissimseancillseChristiN." 3 "Eogoutnonindignemini. . . quiacotidianatribulatiodivina solaminafratrumacsororummequeerereadmonet."—Ep.87,ed.Jaffe\ 320 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

isworsethanthemaliceoftheunbelievers.Pray, then,totheLambofGod,theonlydefenderofmy life,toprotectmeamidstallthesewolves.. . . Prayalsofortheseheathenswhohavebeenintrusted tousbytheApostolicSee,thatGod,whodesires allmentobesavedandcometoa knowledgeof thetruth,maydeigntowrestthemfromidolatry andaddthemtoourmothertheCatholicChurch. Maytheeternalrewarderofeverygoodaction maketheetotriumphforeverintheglorious companyofangels,mybelovedsister,whoby sendingacopyoftheHolyScriptureshastconsoled thepoorexileinGermany.Themanwhohasto penetrateintothedarkestcornersofthesenations, cannotbutfallintothesnaresofdeath,ifhehas notthewordofGodtolighthissteps.Pray,pray always,thatHewhofromthehighestheavenlooks uponallthatishumblestherebelow,maypardon memysins,andgranttomewhenI openmy mouththeeloquencethatisneededtomakethe GospelofthegloryofChristrunandshinelikea flameamongtheheathennations."1 Hewrotewithnotlesseffusionandtenderness 1 "Dilectissimsesororietjamdudumspiritalisclientelepropinquitate connexse.. . . Aureospiritalisamorisvinculoamplectendseetdivinoae virgineocaritatisosculostringendosororiEadburgseabbatissal.. . . Undiquelabor,uudiquemceror.. . . Carissimamsororemremunerator a?ternus. . . laitificet. . . quse,sanctorumlibrorummuneratrans- mittendo,exulemGermanicum. . . consolataest.. . . Quitenebrosos angulosGermanicarumgentiumlustraredebet."—Epist.73,75,ed.Jaffe\ "Utprsestetmihiverbuminapertioneorismei"(Ephes.vi.19); "ut curratetclarificeturintergentesEvangeliumgloriseChristi" (2Thessal. iii.1). THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 321

totheAbbessBugga,1who,overwhelmedwithtrials inthegovernmentofherdoublemonastery,had soughtcomfortfromhim,andwhowasanxiousto completeherlifebyapilgrimagetoRome."To mybelovedlady,thesisterwhomI loveinthelove ofChrist,morethanallotherwomen,thehumble Boniface,unworthybishop.. . . Ah,dearestsister, sincethefearofGodandtheloveoftravelhave putbetweenussomanylandsandseas,I have learnedfrommany,whatstormsoftroublehave assailedyouroldage.I amdeeplygrievedto hearit,andlamentthat,afterhavingputasidethe chiefcaresofthegovernmentofyourmonasteries, outofloveforalifeofcontemplation,youshould havemetwithcrossesstillmorefrequentandmore painful.Iwritethus,venerablesister,fullofcom passionforyourgriefs,andfullalsooftherecollec tionsofyourkindnessandofourancientfriend ship,toexhortandconsoleyouasabrother.. . . I wouldthatyouwerealwaysjoyfulandhappy inthathopeofwhichtheApostlespeaks,whichis bornoftrialandneverdeceives.Iwouldthatyou shoulddespisewithallyourstrengththeseworldly

1 ThisBuggawasalsocalledEadburga.Couldshebe,ashasbeen oftensupposed,theHcaburgcognomenloBuggawhofiguresinthetitle ofEpistle14ed.Jafl'£,38ed.Serrarius,30ed.Giles? Nothing,itappears tous,canbemoredoubtful,butwehaveneithertimenorpowertodis cussaquestioninitselfsounimportant.TheAnglo-Saxoncustomofhav ingtwonames,whichwehavealreadymetwithinthecasesofDomneva orErmenberga,foundressofMinster,andWinefridorBoniface,&c,adds tothedifficultyandconfusion,sometimescompletelyinextricable,ofall researchesintothehistoryoftheearlyAnglo-SaxonChurch. VOL.V. X 322 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. troublesasthesoldiersofChristofbothsexeshave alwaysdespisedthem....Inthespring-time ofyouryouth,thefatherandloverofyourchaste virginitycalledyoutoHimwiththeirresistible accentoffatherlylove; anditisHewho,nowthat youareold,wouldincreasethebeautyofyoursoul bysomanylaboursandtrials.Meet,then,dearest friend,thesuffernigsofheartandbodywiththe buckleroffaithandpatience,thatyoumaycom pleteinyourbeautifuloldagetheworkcommenced intheflowerofyouryouth.Atthesametime,I entreatyou,rememberyourancientpromise,and donotceasetopraytheLordthatHemaydeliver mysoulfromallperil.. . . Farewell,andbe surethatthefaithwhichwehavesworntoeach otherwillneverfail."1 AstotheprojectofthepilgrimagetoRome,he willnotpronounceeitherfororagainstit,buthe begshertowaittheadvicesenttoherfromRome

1 "Osororcarissima,postquamnostimorChristietamorperegrina- tionislongaetlataterrarumacmarisintercapedineseparavit.. . . Nunc autem. . . beneficiorumtuorumetantiquarumamicitiarummemor." —Epist.86,ed.Jaffe\"QuiaomnesmilitesChristiutriusquesexus tempestatesettribulationesinfirmitatesquehujussseculidespexerunt. juventutisbella. . . QuiadgloriampatertuseetDeiamatorperficias.Utquodcastseinvirginitatis. .bona. Dominsejuventutetuse,dilectissimsequiccepisti,teprimevoinetinsenectutetemporeamore

Christiomnibusceterisfemininisexuspreeferendsesorori.. . . Boni- faciusexiguus.. . . Fidemantiquaminternosnunquamdeficerescias." Epist.86,88,ed.Jaffe". ThisAbbessBugga,whomustnotbeconfoundedwiththeonequoted above,survivedBoniface; sheismentionedashonorabilisabbatissaina letteroftheArchbishopofCanterburytothesuccessorofBoniface(Ep. 113,ed.Jalfe).Sheisprobablythesamewhomadea pilgrimageto Rome,andwhowillbespokenoffurtheron. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 323 bytheircommonfriend,anabbessnamedWeth- burga,whohadgonetheretoseekthatpeaceof contemplativelifeforwhichBuggasighed,buthad foundonlystorms,rebellions,andthethreatofa Saracenicinvasion.1 TheAnglo-Saxonmonkswhohadaccompanied thefuturemartyrinhisapostolicmission,rivalled theirchiefinthewarmthoftheirexpressionsin theirletterstotheircloisteredsisters.Lullius,who wastoreplaceBonifaceinthearchiepiscopalseeof Mayence,wrotealongwithtwoofhiscompanions totheAbbessCuneburga,adaughterofoneofthe Anglo-Saxondynasties,tellingherthatsheoccu piedthefirstplaceaboveallotherwomeninthe innermostsanctuaryoftheirhearts.2Thesame LulliuswrotetotheAbbessEadburga,whowasso deartohismaster,begginghernottorefusehimthe sweetnessofreceivinglettersfromher,andtoas sureherthatthespiritualbrotherhoodwhichunited themmadehimcapableofdoinganythingtoplease her.3Therestillremainstobequotedaletterfrom ananonymousmonktoanunequallyunknown, whichhashadthehonourofbeingpreserved throughalltheseages,alongwiththelettersofSt 1 Epist.88,ed.Jaffe. ! "DominsedilectissimaeChristiquereligiosissimseabbatissre,regalis prosapisegenerositateprceditse.. . . Agnoscerecupimusalmitatistuse clementiam,quiateprrecseteriscnnctisfemininisexusincordiscubieulo cinghnnsamore."—Epist.41,ed.Jafffi. 3 "Etsiquidmihi. . . imperarevolueris,scitcaritasillequa-inter nosestcopnlataspiritaligermanitate,idmeamparvitatemtotisnisitms implerevelle.Interearogontmihilitterastusednlcedinisdestinarenon deneges."—Epist.75,ed.JaHe-. 324 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

Boniface; afactatwhichwerejoice,foritthrowsa pleasinglightuponthetenderandsimpleemotions whichfilledthosehonest,humble,andferventhearts bywhomGermanywaswontothefaithofJesus Christ: —"N.,unworthyofa trulycloseaffec tion,toN.,greetingandhappinessintheLord: Belovedsister,thoughthevastextentoftheseas separateusalittle,I amdailyyourneighbourin mymemory.Ientreatyounottoforgetthewords thatwehaveexchanged,andwhatwepromised eachotherthedayofmydeparture.Isaluteyou, dearest; livelong,livehappy,prayingforme.I writeyoutheselinesnottoimposemywishes arrogantlyuponyou,buthumblytoaskforyours, asifyouweremyownsister,didIpossessone."1 Tenderandconfidentialaswasthetoneofthe letterswhicharrivedfromGermanyintheAnglo- Saxoncloisters,thereseemstobesomethingstill morewarmandintimateinthefragmentswhich 1 "Intimsedilectionisamorequamvisindignus.. . . Amantissima soror,licetlongusculaaltamariumsequalitatedistam....Sismcmor, carissima,verborumnostrorum,qusepariterpepigimus,quandoprofectus fueram.. . . Vale,vivenssevolongioreetvitafeliciore,iuterpellanspro me.Hsecpaucaadtescripsi,nonarrogantermeacommendans,sed humilitertuadeposcensseu. . . proprisegermanseDupernanctae.Vale." —Epist.139,ed.Jaffe.Thisinterestingproductionisunfortunately followedbyaneffusioninLatinversemuchlessadmirable: — "Vale,Christivirguncula,Christinempetiruncula, Mihicaramagnopereatquegnarainopere,"Ac. Cf.96and97ofthesamecollection.Letusaddthatthesamesimple andtenderfamiliaritybetweenmonksandnunsisfound,fivecenturies afterourAnglo-Saxons,intheinterestingcollectionoflettersfromB. JourdaindeSaxe,secondgeneraloftheDominicans,tothenunsofSt AgnesofBologneandtotheB.Diana,theirfoundress,recentlypublished byPereBayonne,ParisandLyons,Bauchu,1865. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 325

remaintousofthosewhichwerewritteninthe cellsofWinbourne,Minster,andmanyothermon asteries,andwhichweresentfromthencewhenever a suremessengerpresentedhimself,alongwith presentsofbooks,vestments,spices,sacredlinen, &c,tothemonksengagedbeyondtheseainthe greatworkoftheTeutonicmissions. Onecontinuallyapparentfeatureinthem,which wehavealreadyremarked,isaneageranduncon querabledesiretotravel,togotoRome,notwith standingthenumerousandformidableobstacles whichstoodinthewayofthepilgrimage,andthe dangersofeverykindtowhichwomenwereex posedinundertakingit—dangerswhichBoniface andhiscompanionshadenergeticallypointedout. Thelasttracewhichremainstousoftheexemplary activityoftheillustriousElfleda,Abbessof"Whitby, whodiedin714,aftersixtyyearsofmonasticlife,is aletterofrecommendationaddressedtothedaugh teroftheKingofAustrasia,whowasabbessofa monasterynearTreves,infavourofanEnglishnun, whomshecallsherdaughter,asshehadeducated herfromheryouth; shehaddetainedheraslong asshecouldforthegoodofsouls,butatlasthad permittedhertosatisfyherardentdesireofvisiting thetombsofStPeterandStPaul.1OneofthechiefThethree Buggasand friendsofStBoniface,theAbbessBugea,whomustthetwo _ Eadburgas. notbeconfoundedwithherwhomwehavejust mentioned,hadnotonlythestrengthandprivilege 1 Epiti.8,ed.Jaffe. 326 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. ofaccomplishingthatjourney,butalsothehappiness ofmeetinghimatRome,fromwhenceshereturned safetoresumethegovernmentofhercommunity.1 AthirdBugga,whoisalsocalledEadburga, eagerlyentertainedthesamedesire,andexpressed itinalongletterwrittentoBoniface,jointlywith hermotherEangytha,whowasabbessofthemon asteryinwhichbothlived.Whatwasthismon astery1 Itssituationisnotascertained,butitis probablethatitwaseitherWhitbyorHartlepool, orsomeotherhousesituatedontherockswhich overlooktheNorthernSea: soentirelydothe imagesemployedbothbythemotheranddaughter revealalifeaccustomedtotheemotionsofasea shore.Bothofthem,whileconsultinghimontheir project,opentheirhearttohim,andtellhimof theirtrials; andthroughtheirabruptandincoher entstyleandfaultyLatinthusaffordusaglimpse oftheagitationsandmiserieswhichtoooftentrou blethepeaceandlightofthecloister."LoviDg brother,"theywrite,"brotherinthespiritrather thanintheflesh,andenrichedbythegiftsofthe spirit,inthesepages,whichyouseebathedbyour tears,wecometoconfidetoyoualone,andwith Godaloneforawitness,thatweareoverwhelmed bythetroublesaccumulateduponus,andbythe tumultofsecularaffairs.Whenthefoamingand 1 SeethecuriousandinterestingletterofEthelbertI.I.,KingofKent, toBoniface,towhichweshallreturnlater(Epist.103,ed.Jaffe; 73ed. Giles.)ItwilltherebeseenthatthisBuggawasoftheraceoftheAs- cings: "Utpoteconsanguinitatepropinquitatisnostrseadmonita." THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 327 stormywavesoftheseabreakagainsttherocks ontheshore,whenthebreathofthefuriouswinds hasrousedthebreadthofocean,asthekeelofthe boatsisseenintheair,andthemastsunderwater, sotheboatofoursoulsisdrivenaboutbyawhirl windofgriefsandcalamities.Weareinthehouse whichisspokenofintheGospel: ' Therainde scended,andthewindsblew,andbeatuponthat house'(Matth.vii.25,27).Whatafflictsus aboveallistherecollectionofourinnumerable sins,andtheabsenceofanyreallycompletegood work.Andbesidesthecareofourownsouls,we mustbear,whichisharderstill,thatofallthe soulsofeveryageandofbothsexeswhichhave beenconfidedtous,andofwhichwemustrender anaccountbeforethejudgment-seatofChrist,not onlyoftheiractions,butalsooftheirthoughts, whichareknowntoGodalone! Towhichmust beaddedthedailytoilofourdomesticaffairs,the discussionofallthequarrelswhichtheenemyof everygoodtakespleasureinsowingamongmen ingeneral,andespeciallyamongmonks,andin monasteries.Andbesides,wearetormentedby ourpoverty,bythesmallsizeofourcultivated lands,andmorestillbytheenmityoftheking, wholistenstoalltheaccusationsmadeagainstus bytheenvious; bythetaxeslaidonusforthe serviceoftheking,hisqueen,thebishop,theearl, andtheirsatelktesandservants,—thingswhich wouldtaketoomuchspacetoenumerate,andare 328 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. moreeasilyimaginedthandescribed.Toallthese distressesmustbeaddedthelossofourfriends andrelations,whoformedalmosta tribe,andof whomnoneremain.Wehaveneitherson,brother, father,noruncle: wehavenomorethananonly daughter,deprivedofeverythingshelovedinthe worldexcepthermother,whoisveryold,anda sonofherbrother,whoisalsounfortunate,though withoutanyfaultofhis,becausethekinghatesour family.Thereremains,therefore,notoneperson inwhomwecanputourtrustGodhastakenall fromusbydifferentmeans.Somearedeadin theircountry,andwaitintheirdarkgravesthe dayoftheresurrectionandthelastjudgment,the daywhenenvyshallbeovercomeandconsumed, andallmourningandpainshalldisappearfromthe presenceoftheelect.Othershavelefttheirnative shoretoconfidethemselvestotheplainsofocean, andtovisitthetombsoftheapostlesandmartyrs. Forallthesereasons,andforotherswhichcould notbetoldinaday,notevenoneofthelongdays ofJulyorAugust,ourlifeisaburdentous. "Everybeingthatisunhappy,andhaslostcon fidenceinhimself,seeksafaithfulfriendtowhom hecanopenhisheartandpourforthallitssecrets. Ah! howtrueiswhattheysay,thatnothingcan besweeterthantohavesomeonetowhomwecan speakofeverythingastoourselves!Now,wehave soughtforthatfaithfulfriendinwhomwecould havemoreconfidencethaninourselves; whoshould THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 329 regardourpainsanddistressesashisown; who shouldpityallourevils,andconsolethembyhis salutarycounsels.Yes,wehavesoughthimlong. Andatlastwehopetohavefoundinyouthis friendwhomwehavesolongdesiredandeagerly hopedfor. "OhthatGodwoulddeigntocarryusinthe armsofHisangel,asHedidofoldtheprophet HabakkukandthedeaconPhilip,intothefarcoun trieswhereyoutravel,andmakeustohearthe livingwordfromyourmouth,whichwouldbe sweetertousthanhoney! But,sincewedonot deservethis,andthatweareseparatedbylandand sea,wewillneverthelessuseourconfidenceinyou, brotherBoniface,totellyouthatforalongtime wehavedesired,likesomanyofourkinsmenand friends,tovisitthatRomewhichwasoncemistress oftheworld,toobtainthepardonofoursins.I aboveall,Eangytha,whoamold,andconsequently havemoresinsthanothers,I havethisdesire. I confidedmyplanformerlytoWala,whowas thenmyabbessandspiritualmother,andtomy daughter,whowasthenveryyoung.Butweknow thattherearemanywhodisapproveourintention, becausethecanonsenjointhateachshouldremain whereshehasmadehervow,andgiveaccountof thatvowtoGod.Troubledbythisdoubt,wepray you,bothofus,tobeourAaron,andtopresent ourprayerstoGod,thatbyyourmediationHemay showuswhatwillbemostusefulforus,toremain 330 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

athome,ortogoonthisholypilgrimage.We entreatyoutoanswerwhatwehavewrittentoyou inastylesorusticandunpolished.Wehaveno trustinthosewhoglorifythemselvesinthesight ofman,butwehavemuchtrustinyourfaithand charitytoGodandyourneighbours.. . . Farewell, spiritualbrother,faithful,amiable,andbeloved withapureandsincerelove....Afriendislong sought,rarelyfound,andstillmorerarelypreserved. Farewell;praythatoursinsmaynotbringus Thebegin-misfortune."Letusnow1 turntothebeautifulandlearned ningofthe friendshipLioba(dieLiebe,thebeloved),andobservethe between v ' Liobaandmeansshetookwhilestillveryyoung,fromher Bomface.conventatWinbourne,tomakeJherselfJ °knownto

1 "Amantissimefrater,spiritalismagisquamcarnalis,etspiritalium gratiarummnnificentiamagnificatus,tibisoliindicarevoluimusetDeus solustestisestnobis,quascernisinterlitaslacrymis.. . . Tanquam spumosimarisvorticesverruntetvelluntvmdarumcumulos,conlisos saxis,quandoventorumviolentiaetprocellarumtempestatesssevissime enormumeuripumimpelluntetcymbarumcarinsesursumimmutateet malusnavisdeorsumduratur,hautsecusanimarumnostrarumnaviculse. . . . Quasseminatomniumbonoruminvisor;qui. . . interomnes hominesspargit,maximepermonasticosetmonachorumcontubernia. . . . Angitprsetereapaupertasetpenuriarerumtemporaliumetangustia cespitisrurisnostris; etinfestatioregalis.. . . Etutdicitur,quiddul- ciusestquamhabeasillumcumquoomniapossisloquiuttecum? . . . Diuqusesivimus.Etconfidimusquiainvenimusinteillumamicum, quemcupivimus,etoptavimusetsperavimus.. . . Vale,fraterspiritalis fidelissimeatqueamantissimeetsinceraetpuradilectionedilecte; . . . Amicusdiuquseritur,vixinvenitur,difficileservatur."—Epist.14,ed. Jaffe.WehavealreadyquotedaletterinwhichBonifacerepliestoan AbbessBuggaonthesubjectofapilgrimagetoRome(Epist.88,ed. Jaffe).I donotthinkthatthisreplybelongstotheletterI amabout toquote,becauseitsaysnothingofthemotherEangytha,andbecause itisfilledwithvarioussubjectsofwhichthereisnoquestioninthe letterofthemotheranddaughter. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 331 thegreatmanwhoafterwardscalledhertohisaid tointroducethelightoftheGospelandmonastic lifeamongtheGermannations:— "TotheveryreverendlordandbishopBoniface, belovedinChrist,hiskinswomanLeobgytha,1the lastoftheservantsofGod,healthandeternalsal vation.Iprayyourclemencytodeigntorecollect thefriendshipwhichunitedyoutomyfather Tinne,aninhabitantofWessex,whodepartedfrom thisworldeightyearsago,thatyoumayprayfor thereposeofhissoul.Ialsorecommendtoyou mymotherEbba,yourkinswoman,asyouknow betterthanme,whostilllivesingreatsuffering, andhasbeenforlongoverwhelmedwithherinfir mities.Iamtheironlydaughter;andGodgrant, unworthyasI am,thatI mighthavethehonour ofhavingyouformybrother,fornomanofour kindredinspiresmewiththesameconfidenceas youdo.I havetakencaretosendyouthislittle present,notthatIthinkitworthyyourattention, butthatyoumayremembermyhumbleness,and that,notwithstandingthedistanceofourdwell ings,thetieoftruelovemayuniteusforthe restofourdays.Excellentbrother,whatI ask youwithearnestnessis,thatthebucklerofyour prayersmaydefendmefromthepoisonedarrows oftheenemy.I begofyoualsotoexcusethe 1 ShehadalsotwonamesinAnglo-Saxon,TruthgebaandLeobgytha; butshereceivedthesurnameofLiobaorLieba,underwhichsheis generallyknown,because,accordingtoherbiographer,shewasbeloved byeveryone.—Zell,op.cit.,p.262. 332 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

rusticityofthisletter,andthatyourcourtesywill notrefusethefewwordsofanswerwhichIsomuch desire.YouwillfindbelowsomelineswhichI haveattemptedtocomposeaccordingtotherules ofpoeticart,notfromself-confidence,buttoex ercisethemindwhichGodhasgivenme,andto askyourcounsel.IhavelearnedallthatIknow fromEadburga,1mymistress,whogivesherselfto profoundstudyofthedivinelaw.Farewell: live alongandhappylife; intercedeforme. "MaytheAlmightyJudge,whomadetheearth, AndgloriousinHisFather'skingdomreigns, Preserveyourchastefirewarmasatitsbirth, Tilltimeforyoushallloseitsrightsandpains."2 Cenathe BesidethecelebratedLioba,letusquoteanun- unworthy.knownnun^wjiQc£jjsherselfQexiafaeUnworthy—

PontificiBonifacioChristiamatoriCeneindigna —butwhowritestothegreatapostlewitha proudandoriginalsimplicitywhichgoestomy heart,andwhichI thanktheancientcompilers forhavingpreservedalongwiththelettersofthe greatapostle."I confess,mydearest,"shesays, "that,seeingyoutooseldomwiththeeyesofmy body,I ceasenottolookatyouwiththeeyes ofmyheart.. . . AndthisI declare,thattothe 1 This,then,isathirdEadburga,whowasmistressofthenovicesat Winbourne,andmustnotbeconfoundedeitherwithEadburga,Abbess ofThanet,orwithEadburga,surnamedBugga,bothofwhomappearin StBoniface'scorrespondence. 2 I reprintthetranslationfromtheexcellentworkofOzanam,La CivilisationChritietmechczUsFrancs,p.226,fromwhichI shallhave manyotherquotationstomakeifI amenabledtocontinuemywork, andtorelatetheconquestofGermanybytheAnglo-Saxonmonks. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 333 endofmylifeIshallalwaysrecollectyouiumy prayers.I entreatyou,byouraffectionandour mutualfaith,tobefaithfultomylittleness,as Ishallbefaithfultoyourgreatness,andtohelp mebyyourprayers,thattheAlmightymaydispose ofmylifeaccordingtoHiswill.Ifoneofyour peopleevercomestothisland,lethimnotdisdain tohaverecoursetomypoverty; andifIcanren deranyservice,eitherspiritualortemporal,toyou ortoothers,Iwilldoitwithallmymighttothe greatprofitofmysoul."1 ThisletterwasaddressedtoBoniface,thena bishop,veryprobablybyoneofthosewhomhe hadtransplantedfromEnglandintoGermany. LetusnowlistentoanotherAnglo-Saxonmaid,Egburga ° theDeso- acontemporaryofhisyouth,Egburga,whomsomei*te. supposetohavebeenthatdaughterofanEast AngliankingwhowastheabbessandfriendofSt Guthlac.2ShewrotetoBonifacewhilehewasstill718-722. abbotofanEnglishmonastery,toconfidetohimher privategriefs—"Totheholyabbotandtruefriend, Winifred,fullofknowledgeandreligion,Egburga, thelastofhispupils,eternalgreetingintheLord. SinceIhaveknowntheblessingofyouraffection,it hasremainedinmysoullikeanodourofincompar ablesweetness.AndthoughImaybehenceforward 1 "Jamfateortibi,carissime. . . ethoctibinotumfacio,quodusque adfinemvitemea)tesemperinmeisorationibusrecordor,etterogoper ereditamamicitiamutmereparvitatifidelissis,sicutintecredo."— Epist.94,ed.Jane. 8 Seep.120ofthisvolume. 334 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. deprivedofyourtemporalpresence,Idonotcease toembraceyouasasister.Youwerealreadymy kindbrother; youarenowmyfather.Sincedeath, bitterandcruel,hassnatchedfrommemybrother OsherewhomI lovedmorethananybodyinthe world,Ipreferyoutoallothermen.Neithernight nordaypassesthatI donotrecallyourlessons. Believeme,forGodismywitness,1loveyouwith asupremelove.Iamsurethatyouwillneverfor getthefriendshipwhichunitedyoutomybrother. Iamgoodforverylittle,andmuchinferiortohim inworthandinknowledge; butI yieldnothing tohiminmyaffectionforyou.Timehaspassed sincethen; buttheheavycloudofsorrowhasnever leftme.Onthecontrary,thelongerI livethe moreIsuffer.I haveprovedthetruthofwhatis written,thattheloveofmanbringsgrief,butthe loveofChristlightstheheart.Myhearthasre ceivedanewwoundbythelossofmydearestsister Wethburga.Shehassuddenlydisappearedfrom myside—shewithwhomIgrewup,whohassucked thesamemilk,asIcallJesustowitness." Herethepoornun,nodoubtdesiringtoshow toherancientmasterthatshewasnotunworthy ofhislessons,proceedstoquoteVirgil:— "Crudelisubique Luctus,ubiquepavor,etplurimamortisimago."1 Butshequoteswronglywithoutperceivingit,as hasbeenthecasewithtwoorthreeterriblesole- 1 sEneul,ii.369,370. THEANGLO-SAXONNDNS. 335 cismswhichoccurintheprecedingpartofher letter.1Afterwhichshecontinues:— "IshouldhavewishedtodiehadGodpermitted it.Butitisnotcrueldeath,itisaseparationstill morecruelwhichhaswithdrawnusfromeach other; shetohappiness,asIbelieve,butItomis fortune,sinceshehasleftmeasasortofpledgeto theserviceoftheworld,whileshewhomIloveso muchisnowshutup,accordingtowhatIhear,in IknownotwhatprisoninRome.2Butthelove ofChristwhichblossomsinherheartisstronger thanallbonds.Shewillascendthestraitand narrowway,butIamleftlyinginthedepths,en chainedbythelawoftheflesh.Inthedayof judgmentshewillsingjoyouslywiththeLord, ' Iwasinprison,andthouvisitedstme.'Youtoo, inthatday,willsitwherethetwelveapostlessit, andwillbeproud,likeagloriouschief,ofhaving ledbeforethetribunaloftheeternalKingsomany

1 "Egoautemlicetscentiatardioraetmentisvilioraillosim,tamen ergatusecaritatisobsequiumdisparnonsum."I shallperhapsbere proachedforlingeringovertheseminutise.Letitbeso; allthatrelates tothehistoryofthesoul,especiallyinthecradleofthefaith,attracts meirresistibly.Whatismoretouchingthantheseimperfectionsofstyle inaclassictonguefromthepenofahalf-civilisedwoman,whoatallrisks mustexpresstotheheartofafriendtheemotionswhichfillherown? 2 "Meveroiufelicem,quasiquoddamdepositum,huicsseculoservire permisit,sciensenimquantumillamdilexi,quantumamavi,quamnunc, utaudio,Eomanacareerincludit."—Epist.13.Theanonymousauthor ofNotesonStHildaandStBegaconcludesfromthispassagethat EgburgahadsucceededhersisterWethburgaasabbess,andthatitisthe latterwhoisalludedtointhelettertoStBonifaceasbeingalreadyfixed atRome.Thisconjectureappearsprobableenough.Thetwosisters,with anelderone,allthreedaughtersofakingofEastAnglia,wouldthus havebeensuccessivelyabbessesofHackness.SeegenealogicaltableD. 336 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. soulswonbyyourlabours.ButI inthisvalley oftearsweepformysinswhichhavemademe unworthyofsuchcompany. "Forthisreasontheseaman,beatenbythetem pest,doesnotlongtoentertheport,nordothe parchedfieldsthirstforrain,northemotherwan deringalongthewindingshoreintheagoniesofsus penseawaitherson,withmoreanxietythanthatI feelinmydesireoncemoretoenjoyyourpresence. Mysinspreventit,andI amindespair.But, sinnerasI am,prostratedatyourfeet,I implore youfromthebottomofmyheart—I crytoyou fromtheendsoftheearth—0blessedlord,that youwillcarrymetotheheightoftherockofyour prayers,foryouaremyhopeandmycitadelagainst theenemyvisibleandinvisible.Toconsolemy greatgrief,tocalmthewavesofmytrouble,togive somesupporttomyweakness,sendmehelp,either intheformofholyrelicsoratleastbywOrdsfrom yourhand,howevershort,thatImayalwayslook atthemasatyourself."1 1 "Abbate(sic)sanetoveroqueamico. . . WynfridoEgburgultima discipulorumsoudiscipularumtuarum.. . . Caritatistusecopulam fateor; astdumperinterioremhominemgustavi,quasiquiddammellitre suavitatismeisvisceribushiesaporinsidet.Etlicetinterim. . . ab aspectucorporalivisualiterdefraudatasim,sororistamensemperam- plexibuscollumtuumconstrinxero.. . . Credemihi,Deoteste,quia summotecomplectoramore.. . . Sed. . . utscriptumest: Amor lwminisdeducitdolorem,amorautemChristiilluminatcor.. . . Non sictempestatejactatusnautaportumdesiderat,nonsicsitientiaimbres arvadesiderant,nonsiccurvolitoreanxiafiliummaterexpectat,quam utegovisibusvestrisfruerecupio.. . . Velpauculasaltimperscripta beatitudinistuseverba,utinillistuamprsesentiamsemperhabeam."— Epist.13. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 337

Thusweseehowwarmstillwerethenatural affectionsintheseimpetuoushearts,without wrongingthenewbondsoffriendshipandfrater nitywhichreligiouslife,withitsactiveandex tendedconnectionsinthespiritualorder,developed inthem.TheinvaluablecollectionoftheEpistles ofStBonifaceencloseseverallettersfromAnglo- Saxonnunstotheirbrothers,alwaysinLatin,and inveryunclassicalLatin,butallbearingthemarks oftenderandsincereaffection."Tomyonlyand belovedbrother,"writesoneofthese,whodescribes herselfastheleastoftheservantsofChrist. "How,dearestbrother,canyoumakemewaitfor yourcomingsolong1 DoyouneverthinkthatI amaloneintheworld\ thatnootherbrother,no otherrelation,comestoseeme? Youdothis, perhaps,becauseIhavenotbeenabletodoallI wishedforyourservice; buthowcanyousofor gettherightsofcharityandkindred1 Oh,my brother,mydearbrother,whydoyouthusbyyour absencefillwithsadnessmydaysandnights? Do younotknowthatnootherlivingsoulismore deartomethanyouare? Icannotsayinwriting allthatIwould; and,besides,Ifeelthatyouhave ceasedtocareforyourpoorlittlesister."1 1The"Fratrinameunieoatqueoftheamantissimowriter. . of. N.theseH.,ultimawordsancillarnmisun-Dei.

. . . Quarenonviscogitarequodegosolainhaeterra? . . . 0frater,o fratermi,curpotesmentemparvitatismeseassiduemcerore,fletuatque tristitiadienoctuquecaritatistuseabsentiaaffligere? . . . Jameertum teneo,quodtibicuranonestdemeaparvitate."—Epist.144,ed.Jaffe. VOL.V. Y 338 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

Lamentofknown; andthename,butnothingmore,isknown anunover ther'sherbro- 0fanothernunwhoseonlyJ brotherwasamongBthe absence,companionsofBoniface.Shewouldnotbecom fortedforhisabsence,andpouredouthersad nessinwritingtoherbrotherwitha poeticand patheticvoicewhichrecallsthewailofStRade- gund,twocenturiesearlier,inherconventat Poitiers,whenthinkingofthetroublesofheryouth.1 OurAnglo-Saxonnunalsoattemptedtointer pretinLatinversethesorrowsofherheart.But herversesarefarfromhavingthemeritofthose whichFortunatusplacedattheserviceofthe abbess-queenofStCroix.Herproseisatonce morecorrectandmoretouching."ToBalthard, myonlybrother,lovedintheLord,andmoreloved thananyoneintheworld....Ihavereceived withtendergratitudethemessageandgiftswhich youhavesentmebyyourfaithfulmessenger Aldred.I willdo,withthehelpofGod,every thingyoutellme,butontheconditionthatyou willcomebackandseeme.I cannotexhaustthe

1 Seevol.ii.p.301.M.ZcllbelievesthisBertgythatobethesame asthommofthatnamewhoaccompaniedLiobatoGermany,andthatit isfromthenceshewritestoherbrother; butthissuppositionisirrecon cilablewiththotextoftheletters,whereitissaidthatthesisterhad beenabandonedveryyoungbyherparents,whiletheonlyhistorianwho speaksofthecompanionsofLiobasaysthatBerchtgydwenttoGermany withhermother,andthatbothbecameabbessesinThuringia.—Othi.o, VitaS.Bonifacii,ed.JafT6,p.490.Themessengerwhoborethecor respondencebetweenthebrotherandsisterwasAldredorAldraed,who carriedfromGermanytoEnglandthemessagesofthedeaconLullius,the chiefassistantofBoniface(Epist.78),fromwhichithasbeensupposed thatthebrotherofBerchtgydmighthavebeenemployedonthesame mission. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 339 fountainofmytearswhenIseeorbearthatothers meettheirfriendsagain.ThenIrecallthatI was forsakeninmyyouthbymyparents,andleftalone here.NeverthelessI havenotbeenforsakenby God,andIblessHisalmightymercythatHehas preservedyourlifeaswellasmine.Andnow, dearestbrother,Iimploreandbeseechyou,deliver mysoulfromthissadness,whichisveryhurtfulto me.Ideclaretoyouthatevenifyouonlystayed withmeonedayandleftmethenext,griefwould vanishfrommyheart.Butifitisdisagreeableto youtograntmyrequest,I takeGodtowitness thatneveratleastshallourtendernessbebetrayed byme.PerhapsyouwouldpreferthatI should gotoyouinsteadofawaitingyouhere.Formy self,Ishouldwillinglygowherethebodiesofour parentsrest,toendmylife,andtorisefromthat spottothecountryofthosebeingswhosepeace andjoyareeternal.. . . Farewell,dearservantof thecross,belovedofyoursister; keepyourgood fameforever." Onotheroccasionsshewritesagain: "Mysoul iswearyoflife,becauseofmyloveforyou.Iam herealone,forsaken,deprivedofallkindred.My fatherandmymotherhaveforsakenme,butthe Lordhathtakenmeup.Betweenyouandme thereisthatgulfofgreatwatersofwhichScrip turespeaks; butweareunitedbylove,fortrue loveisneverovercome,neitherbyspacenortime. AtthesametimeIacknowledgethatIamalways 340 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. sad.Mysoulistroubledeveninsleep,forloveis strongasdeath.NowI beseechyou,mybeloved brother,cometome,orletmegotoyou,thatI mayseeyouagainbeforeIdie,fortheloveofyou willneverleavemyheart.Mybrother,youronly sistergreetsyouinChrist.I prayforyouasfor myself,dayandnight—everyhourandevery minute....I prayweepingandstretchedonthe earth,thatyoumaylivehappyherebelow,and thatyoumaybecomeasaint."1 Ipitythosewho,eitherfromscepticalcontempt forallreligioustradition,ormodernrigorism,can listenwithindifferenceorcontempttothecriesof loveandgriefwhichsprangmorethanathousand yearsagofromthedepthofthoseAnglo-Saxon cloisters,andwhichattest,beforeandafterso manyotherwitnesses,theimmortalvitalityofthe affectionsandwantsofthehumanheart,inallcli matesandallformsofsociety.Whatcanbemore touchingthantheseoutburstsofhumantenderness amidtherudekindredoftheAnglo-Saxons,and 1 "DilectissimofratriinDominoetincarnecarissimoBalthardo Berthgyth.. . . Etnunc,fratermi,adjuroteatquedeprecor,utanfcras tristitiamabanimamea: quiavaldenocetmihi.. . . Sinautemdispli- cettibiimplerepetitionemmeam,tuncDeumtesteminvoco,quodinme nunquamfitderelictadilectionostra.. . . "Have,crucicolacare,salutateasorore; Finetenusfeliciterfamamservasimpliciter.. . . "Tsedetanimammeamvitaimesepropteramoremfraternitatisnostrse. . . . Multsesuntaquarumcongregationesintermeette.. . . Taruen caritatejungamur; quiaveracaritasnunquamlocorumlimitefrangitur. . . . Nequepersomniummentequiesco. "Valevivcnsfeliciterutsissanctussimpliciter.. . . Precibuspeto profusisfletibus; solotenusssepissima."—Epist,148,149,ed.Jaffe. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 341 undertheruggedbarkoftheirwildnature1 Whatmoreinterestingthantheeffortofthesesouls tointerpret,inalanguagewhichtheysupposed morecultivatedthantheirown,theemotionswhich movedthem,and,aboveall,torenewthemselves continuallyinthetruthsandpreceptsoftheChris tianfaith,whichhadforsoshortatimetakenthe placeoftheworshipoftheirfathersamongthem! Formyownpart,I listen,acrosspastcenturies, totheseyearningsoftheheart,tothesevoices ofthesoul,withinterestathousandtimesgreater thantothevictoriesandconquestswhichhave absorbedtheattentionofhistorians; andIoffer upmyheartfeltthanksgivingstothebiographers ofthesaintsandtheeditorsoftheirworksfor havinginfoldedintheirvolumes,likeflowersin anherbal,theseearlytracesofhumanloveandthe stormsthatassailit. "Itwouldbesingular,"saystheaustereand tenderLacordaire,"ifChristianity,foundedonthe loveofGodandmen,shouldendinwitheringup thesoulinrespecttoeverythingwhichwasnot God.. . . Self-denial,farfromdiminishinglove, nourishesandincreasesit. Theruinofloveis self-love,nottheloveofGod; andnooneever metonearthwithaffectionsstrongerandpurer, moreardent,moretender,andmorelasting,than thosetowhichthesaintsgaveuptheirhearts,at onceemptiedofthemselvesandfilledwithGod."1 1 Lacohdaire,LcttrcaitdesJettnesGens.Toulouse,Nov.9,1852. 342 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

VI.

Butthestormsoftheheart,likethestormsof life,haveanendwhichisdeath—thatdeathwhich deliversfromeverything—whichcrownsandsome timesexplainseverything.HowdidourAnglo- DeathdoesSaxonnunsdie? Asfaraswecanmakeout,they notendthe , , friendshipdiedhappyandevenjoyous,withoutcontradicting cloister.orgivingupthetenderaffectionswhichhadagitated theirheartsandanimatedtheirlife.Itwouldbe amistaketosupposethattheyonly,orthateven theythefirst,amongthemonasticclassesofold, keptupthosebeautifulandholyfriendshipsto stGaiia.theirlastdays.StGregorytheGreathaspre servedtoustherecollectionofthenobleRoman, Galla,daughterofthepatricianSymmachus,who becameanuninamonasteryneartheBasilicaof StPeter,andbeingattackedbyafatalillnesshad avisionthreedaysbeforeherdeath.Theprince oftheapostlesappearedtoherinadreamandan nouncedtoherthathersinswerepardoned.She wouldnotcontentherselfwiththatsupremegrace, butventuredtoaskfromherholyprotectorthatan othernun,sisterBenedicta,whomshelovedmost inthecommunity,mightdiewithher.Theapos tleansweredthatherfriendshouldnotdieatthe sametime,butshouldfollowherinthirtydays. ThenextmorningGallatoldthesuperiorwhat shehadseenandheard,andeverythinghappened THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 343 asshesaid.Thetwofriendsattheendofa monthwereunitedbydeath.1 ThegreatAbbessHilda,ofwhomwehavespokenHildaand " herfriend. somuch,andwhowasforthirtyyearsthelight andoracleofNorthumberland,hadalsoinher communitya favouritenun,orone,atleast,who lovedher,saysBede,withagreatlove.Thisnun hadnotthehappinessofdyingatthesametime asherfriend.Butwhentheholyabbess,whohad beenconsumedforsevenyearsbyacruelfever, whichdidnotforasingledayinterrupttheexercise ofherspiritualmaternity,cameatlasttotheend ofhertrials—whenshehadgivenupherlast breathinthemidstofherdaughterscollected roundherbedtohearthelastexhortation,in whichshebesoughtthemtokeepthepeaceofthe Gospelbetweenthemandallmen,—herfriend, whowasatthatmomentdetainedinthenovitiate, inadistantcornerofthemonasticlands,hadthe consolationofseeinginadreamthesoulofHilda ledtoheavenbyashiningtrainofangels.1

1 "Gothorumtemporibus,hujusurbisnobilissimapuella....Ex amoresumensaudaciam. . . quiaquamdamsanctimonialemfeminam ineodemmonasteriopraceterisdiligebat. . . subjunxit: Rogolit sororBcnedictamecumveniat.Cuiillerespondit: Non,sedillatalis veniattecum: hrecvero,quampetis,dieerittrigesimosecutura."—S. Gregor.,Dial.,1.IV.,ap.Brev.Roman.Off.Propr.Cler.Rom.die 5Oct. 2 "Inquotototemporenunquam. . . commissumsibigregemet publiceetprivatimdocereprsetermittebat.. . . Septimoinfirmitatis anno. . . circagallicantum,perceptoviaticosacrosanctaecomnm- nionis,cumaccersitisancillisChristi. . . deservandaeasinvicem, immocumomnibuspaceevangelicaadmoneret: interverbaexhortationis lsetamortemvidit.. . . NunciavitmatremillarumomniumHildabba 344 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

Etheiturgaandher LcBtamortem,vidit: shesawdeatht withJjoy.J friend.Thesewords,spokenbyBedeofStHilda,seem tohavebeenapplicabletoallthefemalesaints, andeventoallthenuns,whoserecollectionhe haspreservedtous. TherewasoneatBark ing,who,afterhavingbeenforlongthehumble andzealousassistantofthefirstabbess,Ethel- burga,waswarnedofthedeathofthatabbess, herfriend,byavision,inwhichshesawherdear Ethelburgawraptina shroudwhichshonelike thesun,andraisedtoheavenbygoldenchains whichrepresentedhergoodworks.Deprivedof herspiritualmother,shelivedfornineyearsin themostcruelsufferings,inorder,saysBede,that thefurnaceofthisdailytribulationmightcon sumealltheimperfectionthatremainedamongso manyvirtues.Atlastparalysisassailedallher members,andevenhertongue.Threedaysbefore herdeathsherecoveredsightandspeech: shewas heardtoexchangesomewordswithaninvisible visitor.ItwasherdearestEthelburga,whocame toannouncetoherherdeliverance." I can scarcelybearthisjoy,"saidthesickwoman; and thefollowingnight,freedatoncefromsickness andfromthebondageoftheflesh,sheenteredinto everlastingjoy.1

tissam. . . seaspectantecumluceimmensaducibusangelisadseternse luminalucis. . . aseendisse.. . . Feruntquodeademnocte. . . eui- damvirgimimDeodevotarumquaiillamimmensoamorediligebat, obitusilliusinvisioneapparuerit."—Bede,iv.23. 1 "ChristifamulaTorchtgyd. . . adjutrixdisciplineregulariseidem THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 345

AmonumentwhichiscalledtheMaidens'TombThedaugh tersofthe isstillshowninthefinechurchofBeverley: itisS"1•* J ' Beverley. thegraveoftwodaughtersofanearl,abenefactor ofthegreatAbbeyofStJohn,whohadtakenthe veilthere.OnChristmasnight,accordingtothe legend,theywerethelasttoleavethemidnight mass,anddidnotreappearintheirstalls.After theserviceofthefollowingnight,theabbess,made anxiousbytheirabsence,wenttolookforthem, andfoundthemasleepineachother'sarms. Whentheywokeitwasfoundthattheysup posedthemselvestohavesleptonlyanhour,and haddreamtofparadise.Theywentdowntothe choir,andthere,kneelingbeforetheabbess,after havingaskedandreceivedherbenediction,died, stillembracingeachother.1 Oneofthemostcelebratedheathensofourcen-Deathbeds . . . fullof tury,Goethe,diedaskingforlight."Morelight!"ught- thesewere,itissaid,hislastwords.Theyrecur

matri,minoresdocendovelcastigandocurabat.. . . Viditquasicorpus hominis,quodessetsoleclarius,sindoueinvolutuminsublimeferri. . . quasifunibusauroclarioribus.. . . FerannosnovempiaEedemptoris nostriprovisionefatigata,utquicquidineavitiisordidantisintervir- tutesperignorantiamvelincuriamresedisset,totumhoccominus diutinetribulationisexcoqueret.. . . Nequaquamhceclataferrequeo. . . . Interrogatacumquoloqueretur: Cumcarissima,inquit,matre meajEdilberge.. . . Solutacarnissimuletinfirmitatisvinculis,ad seternsegaudiasalutisintravit."—Bede,iv.9. 1 EarlPuch,thefatherofthesetwosisters,ismentionedbyBede(v.4), whodescribesthemiraculouscureofhiswifebyStJohnofBeverley. OneoftheirdaughterswasnamedYolfrida; thenarrativestatesthat shebecameanunatBeverley,anddiedtherein742."Puchdedit cumfiliamaneriumdeWalkington." PuchheldthemanorofSouth Burton,twomilesfromBeverley.—Dugdale,Monasticon,i. 170; Mabillon,Act.SS.O.S.B.,vol.iii.p.413. 346 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

tothemindinvoluntarily,whenwereadofthe happyandjoyfuldeathofthesevirgins,sweetand fulloflight,whoprepared,inthedepthsoftheir cloistersnowdespisedorforgotten,theconversion ofthecountryofGoethe.Lightaboveall,a heavenlyandsupernaturallight,floodsovertheir deathbedsandtheirtombs. Thesevisionsfulloflight,andthesehappy deaths,seemtohavebeenspeciallyaccordedtoour Anglo-Saxons,andnotonlytothosewhodiedupon theirnativesoil,butalsotothosewhohadpassed Thedaugh-theirlivesinforeigncloisters.AtFaremoutier,in terofthe pi Kingof France,thedaughterofa kingofKent,Earcon-• Kentat ° . Faremou-gotha,ofwhomwehavealreadyspoken,1hadedi fiedalltheinhabitantsbythemiraclesofhervirtue. Beingwarnedofherapproachingend,shewent fromcelltocellintheinfirmaryofthemonastery askingfortheprayersofthesicknuns.Shedied duringthefollowingnightatthefirstglimpseof dawn.Atthesamehourthemonkswhooccupied anotherpartofthedoublemonasteryhearda soundlikethenoiseofa multitude,whotothe soundofheavenlymusicinvadedthemonastery. Whentheywentouttoseewhatitwas,theyfound themselvesina floodofmiraculouslight,inthe midstofwhichthesouloftheforeignprincess ascendedtoheaven.2 1 Seeabove,p.244and256. 2 "Magnarumfuitvirgovirtutum. . . Hujusmultaabincolislociillius solentoperavirtutumetsignamiraculorumusquehodienarrari.. . . CcepitcircuireinmonasteriocasulasinfirmarumChristifamularum.. . . THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 347

InthesamecloisteratFaremoutier,wheretheAndthe lay-sister daughterofthekingsofKent,thegrandchildwuiesinda. ofClovisandEthelbert,thuslivedanddied,a humblelay-sister,alsoanAnglo-Saxon,had,like herroyalcompanion,a joyouspresentimentof herdeath,andashiningtrainofangelstoescort hertoheaven.OnedaywhenWillesinda(asshe wascalled)workedinthegardenofthemonastery withtheotherlay-sisters,shesaidtothem,"One ofthosewhocultivatethisspotisabouttodie; letusthenbeready,thatourtardinessmaynot injureusineternity."Theyaskedherinvain whichoneofthemitshouldbe.Soonafter,shefell ill,andduringallhersicknessshelookedupto heavenwitheyesshiningwithhappiness,repeating longpassagesfromholyScripture,thoughshehad neverlearnedthembyheart.Likethecowherd- poetwhomtheAbbessHildabroughtintomonastic lifeandtoaknowledgeoftheBible,sheaston ishedallpresentbyrepeatingtothemtheOldand NewTestamentintheirorder. Afterthisshebegantosingwithwonderful sweetnesstheservicesasshehadheardthemsung bythepriests.Thenallatonceshesaidtoher amazedcompanions,"Room,room,forthosewho Ipsaautemnocte. . . incipienteaurora. . . multidefratribus. . . sonitumquasiplurimsemultitudinismonasteriumingredientis; moz egressidignoscerequidesset,videruntlucemccelitusemissamfuisseper- maximam,. . Tantaoqusefragrantiasanctamsuavitatisillamanimamabimis...ebullivit,adseternautgaudiacunctisducebat.quiad- stabantfratribusacsororibus,quasiopobalsamicellariaesseviderentur aperta."—Bede,iii.8. 348 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

arecomingI" Noonewasseentoenter,butcon versationwasheard,whichthesickwomankept up,bowingherheadwithanexpressionofrespect andjoy."Welcome,mydearladies,welcome,"she said."TowhomareyouspeakingVtheyasked her."What! " sheanswered,"doyounotrecog niseyoursisterswhohaveleftthiscommunityfor heaven? Look,Anstrude,thereisAnsilda,your ownsister,whohasbeenlongdead.Sheisclothed withthewhiterobeoftheelect."Afterthisshe breathedherlast,andthechoirofangelswasim mediatelyheardcomingforthtomeetthesaved visionof soul.1Butitwasespeciallyamongthelearnedladiesof theshining . . shroudat Barking,inthemonasterywhichhadmadesowarm Barking. &' f a responsetotheclassicalteachingsofAldhelm andBoniface,thatdeathwassweetandradiant. Duringthegreatpestilenceof664,whichsocruelly desolatedthenew-bornChurchofEngland,the nunswentoutonenightfromtheirchurch,atthe 1 "QnsedamexgenereSaxomimWillesindanomine,. . . quadamdie duminhortumintramonasteriiseptalaboraret,cumsodalibuslocuta est: Citoanobisquseinhacareaexcolimusunaituraest.. . . Ccepit lsetaadccelumvultusreferre,etignotassibidudumscripturarumpaginas enarrare.,exorsaquea principiolibrosMoysisperordinemrecitare, EvangeliiquevitaliasacramentaacApostolicapostveterumdocumenta narrare.Omnesquedeincepsscripturasexordinememorare.. . . Hilari vultu,capitequeinclinatodixit: Benedicitedominsemere,benedicite dominsemere.Inquirentesquequseadstabantquibussalutemprsemit- teret,respondit: Noncernitissororesvestrasqusedevestrocollegiomi- graveruutadccelos? Quserentesqueillsesiagnosceret,inerepantivoce adunamearumAnsitrudemnomineloquitur: Veltu,inquit,non agnoscissororemtnamAnsildem,quaedudumadccelosmigravitcandi- datarumchorisinsertam."—VilaS.Burgundofarce,c.vii.,ap.Mabillon, Act.SS.0.8.B.,vol.ii.p.425. THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 349 endofmatins,toprayatthegraveofthemonks whohadprecededthemintotheotherworld,when allatoncetheysawtheentireskylightedupand coverthemallaswitharadiantshroud.They weresoterrifiedthatthehymntheyweresinging diedontheirlips.Thislight,whichwasmore brilliantthanthatofthesun,guidedthemtothe burying-placeinwhichtheywerethemselvestorest, andthendisappeared; andtheyunderstoodthatit showedthematoncetheheavenwhichawaited theirsouls,andthespotofearthinwhichtheir bodiesweretoawaitthedayofresurrection.1 Amongthosewhodiedinsogreata numberThevirgin calledby duringthisfatalyear,therearetwowhosehumblethecmm. memorytheAnglo-Saxonhistorianhasnotscorned tominglewithhisnarrativeofthepoliticaland militaryeventsofEssexandEastAnglia.Oneof themwasstillinperfecthealth,whenshewastold thatalittlechild,whohadbeenreceivedandtaken careofbythesisters,hadjustdied,andwithits lastbreathhadcalledherthrice,"Edith! Edith! Edith! " Immediatelyshelaydownonherbed, anddiedthesameday,tofollowherinnocentfore runnertoheaven.2

1 "EgresssedeoratoriofamulseChriati. . . eccesubitoluxemissa ccelitus,velutilinteummagnum. . . tantoeasstuporeperculit,utetiam cantieumquodcanebanttremefactseintermitterent.Ipsesplendor emissselueis,incujuscomparationesolmeridianusvideripossitobscurus. . . . Utnulliessetdnbium,quinipsaluxquseauimasfamularum Christiessetducturavelsuscepturainccelis,etiamcorporibusearum," Sec.—Bede,iv.7. 2 "Puertriumcirciterannorum. . . quipropterinfantilemadhuc 350 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS.

Thetinguishedex- . Another,' whowasveryJ 1young,°buthadbeenlone6 lamp. in,andwasnowinextremity,commandedthose whowatchedhertocarryawaythelamp."Put it out—putit out,"shesaid,withoutceasing, thoughshewasnotobeyed."Yousupposeme mad,butIamnotmad,andItellyouthatIseethis housefullofsuchalightthatyourlamptroubles mewithitsobscureglimmer."Afterwards,when nobodywouldlistentoher,sheresumed: "Light yourlampsthen,andkeepthemaslongasyou please.Butasforme,I havenoneedofyour light; mineiselsewhere,andatdawnitwillcome forme."Atdawnshewasdead.1

VII.

Historyhasretainedbutthesefewnames,and itisnotwithoutdifficultythateventhesecan begleanedfromchroniclesandlegends.The veilofforgetfulnessandindifferencehasfallen betweenusandthedistantcenturies.That

setateminvirginumDeodedicatarumsolebatcellanutririibiquemedicari. . . . Clamavit. . . proprioeamnominequasiprasentemalloquens,Ead- gyd,Eadgyd,Eadgyd.. . . Ipsoquovocataestdie. . . illumquise vocavitadiegnumccelestesecutaest"-—Bede,iv.8. 1 "Ccepitsubitocircamediamnoctemclamarepetensutlucernam . . . extinguerent; quodcumfrequentivocerepeteret.. . . Scioquod mehsecinsanamenteloquiarbitramini.. . . Veredicovobisquoddo- mumhanctantaluceimpletamesseperspicio,utvestraillalucernamihi omnimodisessevideaturobscura.. . . Accenditeergolucernamillam quamdiuvultis; attamenscitotequianonestmea; nammealux,incipienteaurora,mihiadventuraest."—Ibid. THKANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 351

greatfire,lightedbyfaithandcharityinthe soulsofsomanynewandferventChristians, isnowextinguished; a fewfeebleraysscarcely reachusthroughthenightofages.Thatgreat gardenoffragrantflowers,ofblessedandglo riousfruit,isnowseenandenjoyedonlybyGod; scarcelydoesapassingbreathwafttousthefaint lingeringsofitsperfume.Myriadsofsouls,can didandworthy,simpleanddelicate,sweetand fervent,whichmusthavepeopledtheseimmense andnumberlessmonasteriesofold,willneverbe knowntous!Howmanyyoungandtouching livesarethusburiedinthedarknessofforget- fulness,untilthedaywhenbeforetheassembled universetheyshallshinewiththebrightnessof everlastingglory! Butinthosedistantagestheyformed,forthe honourandconsolationoftheircountryandthe Church,a greatarmy,numerous,hardy,and dauntless,bearingthegloriousensignsofsacrifice withmagnanimousserenityandhumblefervour. Theyconfessedvictoriouslybeforethenew-born Christianityandthebeaten-backbarbarismoftheir age,astheirsistersinthepresenttimeconfess,in thefaceofourover-proudcivilisation,thedivin ityofJesusChrist,theatonementsofsuffering, andtheimmortalempireofthesouloverinferior nature. Inallthesenoblemaids,betrothedtoGod,there appearsa sortofcourageandstrengthwhichis 352 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. vigorousabovetheirsex.Itisthespecialattributeofmo- character _ * panofthe*nasti°^etotransfigurehumannature,bygiving Sax"" tothesoulthatwhichisalmostalwayswanting nuns. toitinordinaryexistence.Itinspirestheyoung virginwithanelementofmanfulnesswhich withdrawsherfromtheweaknessesofnature, andmakesheratthenecessarymomentahero ine;butasoftandtenderheroine,risingfromthe depthsofhumility,obedience,andlove,toreach theheightofthemostgenerousflights,and toattaineverythingthatismostpowerfuland light-givinginhumancourage.Itfillstheheart ofthetruemonkandtruepriestwithtreasuresof intelligentcompassion,ofunlimitedtenderness,of gentlenessunmixedwithlaxness,andofanun remittingpatiencesuchastheheartofwoman aloneseemscapableofcontaining.Andsometimes toboth,tothebrideofGodandtoHisminister, totheheroineofcharityandtothemasterof doctrineandpreaching,itaddsbyasupernatural gifttheincomparablecharmofchildhood,with itsartlessandendearingcandour; thenmaybe seenuponalivingcountenancethatsimplicityin beauty,andthatserenityinstrength,whicharethe mostlovelyarrayofgeniusandvirtue.Thusit happensbytimesthatallthatismostgrandand pureinthethreedifferenttypesofhumanity,the man,thewoman,andthechild,isfoundcombined inonesinglebeing,whichaccomplishesallthata soulcandoherebelowtorisefromitsfall,andto THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 353 renderitselfworthyoftheGodwhohascreated andsavedit.1 I speakinthepresenttense,forallthisexists still,andisfoundandrepeatedeverydayinthe bosomofourmoderncivilisation. Everytraceoftheancientworldofwhichweahthe . . ancient havebeenendeavouringtoseizeanimpression,has-worldhas ° * perished disappeared—everythinghasperishedorchanged,^*yhe exceptthearmyofsacrifice.Thevastandmagni-sacrilice, ficentedificeoftheancientCatholicworldhas crumbledhopelesslytopieces.Therewillrise,and already,indeed,theredoesrise,anewworld,which, liketheancient,willhaveitsowngreatnessandits ownlittleness.Butthatofwhichwehavejust toldthehistoryhaslasted,stilllasts,andwill endureforever. TwelvecenturiesaftertheAuglo-Saxonmaids whosedevotionwehaverelated,thesamehandfalls uponourhomes,uponourdesolatehearts,and tearsawayfromusourdaughtersandsisters. NeversinceChristianityexistedhavesuchsacri ficesbeenmorenumerous,moremagnanimous, morespontaneous,thannow.Everydaysincethe commencementofthiscentury,hundredsofbeloved creatureshavecomeforthfromcastlesandcottages, frompalacesandworkshops,toofferuntoGodtheir heart,theirsoul,theirvirgininnocence,theirlove

1 AubreydeVebe,ThoughtsonStGertrude.CI.T.W.Allies,The FormationofChristendom,1865,PartI.,Lect.6,CreationofVirginal Life. VOL.V. Z 354 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. andtheirlife.Everydayamongourselves,maid ensofhighdescentandhighheart,andothers witha soulhigherthantheirfortune,havevowed themselves,inthemorningoflife,toanimmortal husband. Theyaretheflowerofthehumanrace—aflower stillsweetwiththemorningdew,whichhasre flectednothingbuttheraysoftherisingsun,and whichnoearthlydusthastarnished—anex quisiteblossomwhich,scentedfromfar,fascinates withitspurefragrance,atleastfora time,even themostvulgarsouls.Theyaretheflower,but theyarealsothefruit; thepurestsap,themost generousbloodofthestockofAdam; fordaily theseheroineswinthemostwonderfulofvictories, bythemanliesteffortwhichcanraisea human creatureaboveallearthlyinstinctsandmortal ties. HaveyouseeninMarchorAprilachildbreath inginthefirstfreshbreathofnature,thefirstgleam ofadmirationlighteninginhisbrighteyesasthey meetthegleamofawakeninglifeinthewoodsand fields1 Theredoesthespring-timeoflifemeet withthespring-timeofnature,andtowitnessthis meetingisadelightandacharm.Butstillmore enchantingandmoreenrapturingbyfar,arapture bywhichthesoulisborneawaytotheutmost heightofhumanemotion,isthesightofavirgin creaturealreadybuddingintowomanhood,radiant withyouthandbeauty,whoturnsawayfromallthe THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 35o fragranceoflifetobreatheonlythebreath,andlook onlytowardstheglories,ofheaven. Whata sceneisthis! andwherecanonebe foundwhichmanifestsmoreclearlythedivine natureoftheChurch,orwhichthrowsmore entirelyintotheshadethemiseriesandstains withwhichitsheavenlysplendouris sometimes veiled? But,letusagainrepeat,thissightisaffordedtoNumber amiperse useverywhere," notonlyinouroldandunhealthyJ vermgcharacter Europe,butinthatAmerica1whichallgenerous^on°°m"t, spiritsregardwithhopeandconfidence.Wher-[^ent evertheGospelispreached,whereveracrucifixis raised,everywheredoesChrist,withHisirresistible arm,pluckanduproottheseearthlyflowersto transplantthemnearertoheaven. Spoilersandoppressorsmayinvainresumetheir persecutions,whicharedailypredictedandpro vokedbythewritersofrevolutionaryCsesarism. Devotedandoutlawedchastitywillresumeits task.Inthegarretsorcellarsofthepalaces inhabitedbythetriumphantmastersofthefuture, overtheirheadsorundertheirfeet,virginswill

1 "Wearepenetratedwiththemostprofoundrespectforthoseholy virginswhofillourreligiouscommunities.Wefulfiloneofthepleasantest ofdutiesingivingpublicwitnesstothevirtueandheroismofthose Christianmaidens,whoselivesexhalethesacredodourofJesusChrist, andwho,bytheirdevotionandtheirspiritofsacrifice,havecontributed moreperhapsthananyothercausetoproduceahappychangeinthe mindsofthoseestrangedfromourfaith."—PastoralLetteroftheArch bishopsandBishojwoftheUnitedStates,assembledinfullCouncilat Baltimore,Oct.21,1866. 356 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. befoundwhoshallsweartoJesusChristtobelong onlytoHim,andwhowillkeeptheirvow,if necessary,atthecostoftheirlife. Inthisageoflaxityanduniversallanguid- ness,thesegentlevictorshavekeptthesecretof strength,andintheweaknessoftheirsex,letit onceagainberepeated,theyexhibitthemascu lineandperseveringenergywhichiswantingin us,toattackinfrontandtosubduetheegotism, cowardice,andsensualityofourtimeandofall times.Theyaccomplishthistaskwithachasteand triumphanthardihood.Allthatisnobleandpure inhumannatureisledtothefightagainstallour baseness,andtothehelpofallourmiseries.Speak notofthecharmsofacontemplativelife,ofthe peacefuljoysofmeditationandsolitude.These arebutthelotoffew.Nowadaysthegreatself- devotedcrowdthrowsitselfintoquiteanother path.Theyrushforthtotherescueofthemost repulsiveandtediousinfirmitiesofpoorhuman nature,lavishinguponthemunweariedcares; they swarmwherevertheyarewantedtocultivatethe desertsofignoranceandofchildishstupidity,often sointractableandrestive.Bravingalldisgusts, allrepugnance,alldenunciationsandingratitudes, theycomebythousands,withdauntlesscourage andpatience,towin,caress,andsootheeveryform ofsufferingandofpoverty. And,alongwiththeirstrength,theyhavelight, prudence,andtrueinsight.Theyunderstandlife THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 357 withouthavingexperiencedit. Whohastaught themallthesesadsecrets1 Whohastaughtthese beings,atoncesopureandsoimpassioned,atan agewhentheheartbeginstobeconsumedbyan insatiablethirstforhumansympathyandhuman love,thatsuchathirstwillneverbesatisfiedin thisworld1 Whohasrevealedtothemthedis gracefulfrailtyofearthlyaffections,evenofthe noblestandsweetest,thefondestandmostdeeply rooted,evenofthosewhichbelievedthemselves everlasting,andheldthegreatestplaceinthe heartsoutofwhichtheyhavemiserablyperished\ Nothingbuta divineinstinctwhichfreesthem bywithdrawingthemfromus.Theyaredelivered fromthatwitheringamazementofthesoulwhich meetsdisappointment,betrayal,andscorn,instead oflove,andsometimes,aftersomanystrugglesand somanydelusions,thesilenceofdeathintheful nessoflife.Theyhaveforestalledtheirenemy, unmasked,baffled,anddiscomfitedhim.They haveescapedforever: "Oursoulisescapedas abirdoutofthenetofthefowlers: thesnareis broken,andweareescaped." ThustheygobearingofftoGod,inthebloom ofyouth,theirhearts,fullofthosetreasuresofdeep loveandcompleteself-renunciationwhichthey refusetoman.Theyburyandconsumetheir wholelifeinthehiddendepthsofvoluntaryre nunciation,ofunknownimmolations. Whenthisisdone,theyassureusthattheyhave 358 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. foundpeaceandjoy,andinthesacrificeofthem selvestheperfectionoflove.Theyhavekepttheir heartsforHimwhoneverchangesandneverde ceives; andinHisservicetheyfindconsolations whichareworthallthepricetheyhavepaidfor them—joyswhicharenotcertainlyunclouded,for thentheywouldbewithoutmerit,butwhose savourandfragrancewilllasttothegrave. Itisnotthattheywouldforgetorbetrayus whomtheyhaveloved,andwholovethem.No; thearrowwhichhaspiercedourheartsandremains therehasfirststruckthroughtheirs.Theyshare withustheweightandbitternessofthesacrifice. Isolationfromtheworldisnotinsensibility.It isonlyafalsespiritualitywhichmakesthesoul hard,arrogant,andpitiless.Whenreligiondries uporhardenstheheartitisbutalyingtyranny. Here,intruesacrifice,insupremeself-mortification, humanaffectionlosesnoneofitsrights.Theyare allrespectedbutallpurified,alltransformedinto anofferingtoGod,whohaspromisedtocomfortus morethanamother—"Soshaltthoubesonofthe MostHigh,andHeshalllovetheemorethan thymotherdoeth."Thewarmthoftenderness, afflictedyetsopure,sostraightforward,andso sureofitself,glowsforthineveryword,inevery look.TheblessednessofbelongingtoGodwill nevercloseanoblehearttothegriefsofothers, ordepriveitofanygenerousemotion.That heartbecomes,onthecontrary,moretenderand THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. 359 morecloselyentwinedtothoseitlovesinpropor tionasitisentwinedintoa closerbondwith theheartofJesus.1 Isthisadream?—thepageofa romance"? Is itonlyhistory—thehistoryofa pastforever ended? No; oncemore,itiswhatwebeholdand whathappensamongstuseveryday. Thisdailyspectaclewewhospeakhaveseenand undergone.Whatwehadperceivedonlyacross pastcenturiesandthrougholdbooks,suddenly roseonedaybeforeoureyes,fullofthetears ofpaternalanguish.Whowillnotpardonus forhaving,underthespellofthateverlasting recollection,lengthened,perhapsunreasonably,this pageofalonguncompletedwork? Howmany othershavealso,likeourselves,gonethroughthis anguish,andbeheldwithfeelingsunspeakablethe lastworldlyapparitionofa belovedsisteror child? Onemorningsherises,shecomestoherfather andmother—"Farewell! allisover,"shesays; "I 1 "HoweverfirmmightbetheresolutionofTheresatoleaveherfather, thetenderaffectionsheborehimrenderedtheseparationheartbreaking toher.' Ibelieve,'shesays,' thatatthepointofdeathI couldnot suffermorethanI didthen.Itseemedasifmyverybonesweredislo cated,becausemyloveofGodwasnotstrongenoughtotriumphwholly overthenaturaltendernessIhadformyparents.I wasobligedtodo myselfextremeviolenceinleavingthem,andiftheLordhadnothelped me,mygoodresolutionswouldneverhaveenabledmetofollowoutmy planstotheend; butHisgoodnessgavemecourageagainstmyself.At themomentwhenItookthehabit,GodmademeconscioushowHe blessesthosewhodenythemselvesforHissake.Thisinternalstruggle wasknowntoHimonly; onthesurfacenothingappearedinmyconduct butcourageandfirmness.'"—HistoircdesaVie,c.iii.ap.LeBoucher. 360 THEANGLO-SAXONNUNS. amgoingtodie—todietoyouandtoall.Ishall neverbeeitherawifeoramother; Iamnomore evenyourchild—IamGod'salone."Nothingcan withholdher."Theyimmediatelylefttheship andtheirfather,andfollowedHim."1Lo!she comesalreadyarrayedforthesacrifice,brilliant andlovely,withanangelicsmile,ferventand serene,bloomingandbeaming,thecrowningwork ofcreation! Proudofherlastbeautifulattire, brightandbrave,sheascendstothealtar,or rathersherushes—sheflieslikea soldiertothe breach,and,hardlyabletokeepdowntheim passionedardourwhichconsumesher,shebowsher headundertheveilwhichistobea yokeupon herfortherestofherlife,butwhichwillalsobe hereternalcrown. Itisdone.Shehascrossedthegulfwiththat impetuousbound,thatsoaringimpulse,thatmag nanimousself-forgetfulness,whichisthegloryof youth,withthatpureandunconquerableenthu siasmwhichnothingherebelowwilleverequalor extinguish. WhothenisthisinvisibleLover,deadupona crosseighteenhundredyearsago,whothusattracts toHimyouth,beauty,andlove1 whoappearsto theirsoulsclothedwithagloryandacharmwhich theycannotwithstand1 whodartsuponthemata strokeandcarriesthemcaptive1 whoseizeson thelivingfleshofourflesh,anddrainsthepurest 1 Matth.iv.22. THEANGLO-SAXONXUNS. 361

bloodofourblood1 Isitaman1 No: itisGod. Thereliesthegreatsecret,therethekeyofthis sublimeandsadmystery.Godalonecouldwin suchvictories,anddeservesuchsacrifices.Jesus, whosegodheadisamongstusdailyinsultedorde nied,provesitdaily,witha thousandotherproofs, bythosemiraclesofself-denialandself-devotion whicharecalledvocations.Youngandinnocent heartsgivethemselvestoHim,torewardHimfor thegiftHehasgivenusofHimself;andthis sacrificebywhichwearecrucifiedis butthe answerofhumanlovetotheloveofthatGod whowascrucifiedforus.

VOL.V.

fc ^ESCINGS,KINGSOFKENT.

, StEthelburga, inge wifeofEdwin,King Iter. ofNorthumbria. Widowin633, foundressof Lyminge,andnun there.

;RT, Eanfieda, to664, wifeofOswy,King J/a, ofNorthumbria, the afterwardsnunat |nglia, Whitbyunderher idow- daughter, anun and Ely.

EGBERT, Mjltda, t Kingfrom boru655,died715. ^ier 664to673. DevotedtoGodby herfatherasthe priceofhisvictory overPenda; AbbessofWhitby.