Page:Aelfric's Lives of Saints Vol 2.djvu/257

 and besought  forgiveness  of  the  holy  bishop.

Another work  was  like  to  this:

when he  in  like  manner  had  overthrown  some  other  idol,

then a  heathen  fellow  struck  at  the  holy  man,

but with  the  swing  the  sword  flew  out  of  his  hand,

and no  man  could  ever  find  it  afterward.

Indeed, very  often  when  the  heathen  were  resisting  him

that he  should  not  destroy  thus  shamefully  their  idols,

he preached  to  them  for  so  long  a  time

the true  faith  until  he  rendered

their venerated  temple  suitable  for  the  faith.

So great  might  had  he  to  heal  men,

that it  was  not  easy  for  any  sick  man  to  come  to  him

without his  being  forthwith  wondrously  healed.

XIV. In Treves  was  a  maiden  grievously  afflicted,

lying in  paralysis  until  all  her  limbs

were deadened,  and  she  lay  without  hope.

Then it  was  made  known  to  the  father  that  Martin  had  come

into the  town,  and  he  ran  to  the  saint

and sought  his  feet  with  bitter  weeping,

beseeching the  bishop  that  he  would  bless  her.

' I  believe,'  he  said,  '  that  she  shall  live  through  thee.'

Then Martin  said  that  his  powers  were  not

equal to  so  great  a  deed;    but  the  father  ceased  not

to entreat  him  with  weeping  until  the  other  bishops

who were  with  Martin  compelled  him  to  go

to the  prostrate  maiden,  and  an  immense  multitude

was there  outside  awaiting  what  the  bishop  would  do.

Then Martin  stretched  his  limbs  on  the  ground,

and next  hallowed  a  portion  of  oil,

and put  it  on  the  maiden's  mouth;  and  thereupon  she  was  able  to  speak,