V. How he likewise recalled by his prayers a thegn’s servant from death.
CHAP. IV.
How he healed a thegn's wife that was sick, with holy water.
THE same abbot related another miracle, not unlike the former, of the aforesaid
bishop. "Not very far from our monastery," he said, "to wit, about two miles
off, was the township of one Puch, a thegn, whose wife had lain sick of a very
grievous disease for nearly forty days, insomuch that for three weeks she could
not be carried out of the chamber where she lay. It happened that the man of God
was, at that time, called thither by the thegn to consecrate a church; and when
that was done, the thegn desired him to come into his house and dine. The bishop
declined, saying that he must return to the monastery, which was very near. The
thegn, entreating him more earnestly, vowed he would also give alms to the poor,
if so be that the bishop would vouchsafe to enter his house that day and break
his fast. I joined my entreaties to his, promising in like manner to give alms
for the relief of the poor, if he would but go and dine at the thegn's house,
and give his blessing. Having at length, with much difficulty, prevailed, we
went in to refresh ourselves. The bishop had sent to the woman that lay sick
some of the holy water, which he had blessed for the consecration of the church,
by one of the brothers who had come with me, ordering him to give her some to
drink, and wash that part of her where he found that her pain was greatest, with
some of the same water. This being done, the woman immediately got up whole and
sound, and perceiving that she had not only been delivered from her long
sickness, but at the same time had recovered the strength which she had lost for
so great a time, she presented the cup to the bishop and to us, and continued
serving us with meat and drink as she had begun, till dinner was over; following
the example of the blessed Peter's wife's mother, who, having been sick of a
fever, arose at the touch of our Lord's hand, and having forthwith received
health and strength, ministered to them."
CHAP. V.
How he likewise recalled by his prayers a thegn's servant from death.
AT another time also, being called to consecrate the church of a thegn named
Addi, when he had performed the required duty, he was entreated by the thegn to
go in to one of his servants, who lay dangerously ill, insomuch that having lost
all use of his limbs, he seemed to be at the point of death; and moreover the
coffin had been made ready wherein to bury him after his death. The thegn urged
his entreaties with tears, earnestly beseeching him that he would go in and pray
for the servant, because his life was of great moment to him; and he believed
that if the bishop would lay his hand upon him and give him his blessing, he
would soon mend. So the bishop went in, and saw him very near death, and by his
side the coffin in which he was to be laid for his burial, whilst all mourned.
He said a prayer and blessed him, and going out, spake the wonted words of
comfort, "Good health be yours and that speedily." Afterwards, when they were
sitting at table, the servant sent to his lord, desiring that he would let him
have a cup of wine, because he was thirsty. The thegn, rejoicing greatly that he
could drink, sent him a cup of wine, blessed by the bishop; and, as soon as he
had drunk it, he immediately got up, and, shaking off the heaviness of his
infirmity, dressed himself and went forth, and going in to the bishop, saluted
him and the other guests, saying that he also would gladly eat and drink with
them. They bade him sit down with them at table, greatly rejoicing at his
recovery. He sat down, ate and drank and made merry, and behaved himself like
the rest of the company; and living many years after, continued in the same
health which he had gained. The aforesaid abbot says this miracle was not
wrought in his presence, but that he had it from those who were present.
