Note EE — Seventh Book

P. 182, c. 29. The interest of this chapter lies in the vivid manner in which the fear of St. Martin is depicted as a present reality to the people of the time. A Frank named Claudius was commissioned by king Gunthram to destroy Eberulf, a political refugee, without violating St. Martin’s sanctuary. “As he travelled along [to Tours] Claudius, according to the custom of the barbarians, began to watch the signs and say they were unfavorable to him, and at the same time to ask many persons if the power of the blessed Martin was shown at the present time on those who broke faith; he particularly wanted to know whether St. Martin’s vengeance followed immediately in case any one attacked persons who put their faith in him.” On arriving at Tours Claudius ingratiated himself with Eberulf and promised him help, and when the latter “saw that Claudius made such promises on oath in the very church and at its entrance and in every part of the court-yard [atrium], the ill-fated man believed the perjurer.” The next day a feast was held in the church and Claudius secured Eberulf’s confidence to such a degree that the latter relaxed his guard. “He sent his men one after another to get strong wine, Italian wine, of course, and Syrian wine.” This took place in the courtyard of the church. Claudius was now in a dilemma. “He was purposing to kill Eberulf in the courtyard, but he was afraid of the power of the holy bishop.” However, the chance was too good to be lost. Eberulf was slain by Claudius and his men, but Eberulf’s followers immediately appeared and there was a fierce battle in and about the monastery in the courtyard. “The poor, both those who received the regular doles, and others” took part. “Those who were ‘possessed’ and the beggars hurried from here and there with stones and clubs to avenge the insult done to the church.” Claudius and his men were all slain. Thus “the vengeance of God had immediately overtaken the men who had polluted the holy courtyard with human blood. Moreover, Eberulf’s wickedness is perceived to be not slight when the blessed bishop (Martin) allowed him to meet such a fate.” The whole incident was regarded by Gregory, who was absent at the time “at a country place about thirty miles from the city,” as a vindication of St. Martin.