Revue celtique - National Library of Scotland

on S. Martin of Tours. 389
lowly deeds for him, such as pulling off his sandals and washing his feet,
and preparing food for him, though he, Martin, was the lord. Humble
was he, and gentle and patient with his fellow-soldiers, so that they
gave respect and honour unto him ; and he reserved nothing of his pay
except a sufficiency of food and raiment, but used to give to thepoor and
the needy of God : so that he was not deemed a soldier but a monk.
12. On a certain day, then, in a very cold winter, as Martin was
marching with his comrades, a poor naked man met him, crying out in
the gâte of the city of the Ambianenses. But Martin understood (for he
was full of God's grâce) that for him God had kept the poor man to be
clad. So he passed his sword through the mantle that was round him and
thereof he gave the moiety to the poor man, for naught else had he that
could be given. The foolish folk, however, mocked at Martin, for unseemly
was his appearance in only half of his mantle : and they who were sager
were grieved that it not fallen to themselves to clothe the poor man in
that wise. On the next night Martin beheld the Lord Jésus Christ with
half his mantle around Him, and He said this to His Angels : « Martin
the exorcist, he it is that gave me today this raiment. « Then Martin was
forthwith baptized; but he did not give up military service.
1 3. Meanwhile barbarians came to harry France. Then Julianus Caesar
gathered his soldiers and his retainers, and gave treasures and gifts to
each of them, until he came to Martin, because of fighting against barba-
rians. This is what Martin said to the King : « Thee hâve I served as a
soldier down to this day, but God will I serve henceforward. So bestow
thy gifts on some one who will serve thee. » The king replied : « Not
for religion dost thou draw back from service, but for fear of the battle
tomorrow. » « Since thou sayest that, » quoth Martin, « I will go tomor-
row without arms between the hosts, and the Lord Jésus Christ will
protect me. » Then he was kept in hold by the king that he might fulfil
what he had promised. But on the morrow the barbarians sent envoys
and surrendered themselves and every one (or every thing) they had to
Julianus Caesar that they might hâve peace. Unto whomthen was it unclear
that God wrought this marvel for Martin's sake, so that the eyes of the
Saint might not be defiled ^ by the deaths of the impious men before
him ?
14. Thereafter Martin left his earthly service, and went to Hilary
Bishop of Poitou, and abode a long time with him. Hilary was fain that
Martin should take deacon's orders. But for lovvliness Martin refused
8. Elnitis, ^d pi. secondâry \)Testni passive (Beitr. Vil, 61) of elnim. aellned « macu-
lare, » Z. 485.