Page:Aelfric's Lives of Saints Vol 2.djvu/309

 all together,  even  as  the  venerable  man  commanded.

He put  the  diver-birds  to  flight  by  the  same  best

whereby he  had  expelled  devils  from  men.

LII. After that,  Martin  came  to  the  monastery,

and abode  there  some  while,  and  reconciled  the  priests.

Afterward when  he  would  have  returned  home  he  became  ill,

and told  his  brethren  that  he  should  die;

then they  were  all  very  sorrowful,

and with  great  lamentation  asked  him;

' O  thou  our  father! why forsakest  thou  us,

or to  whom  committest  thou  us,  forsaken?

Verily ravening  wolves  will  come

to thy  flock,  and  who  will  defend  it

Verily we  know  that  thou  longest  for  Christ,

and for  thee  thy  rewards  are  laid  up  for  a  surety;

oh rather  have  pity  on  us  whom  thou  forsakest.'

Then the  holy  man  was  moved  with  these  words,

and cried  with  weeping  and  said  to  his  Lord;

' Lord,  my  Saviour! if I  am  yet  necessary

to Thy  people,  I  refuse  not

still to  labour;  Thy  will  be  done;

I will  not  plead  the  excuse  of  my  failing  age.

I have  fulfilled  Thy  service  devoutly;  under  Thy  sign

I will  fight  so  long  as  Thou  Thyself  shalt  command.'

Then he  lay  thus  for  a  few  days  longer,

weakened with  fever,  continuing  in  prayers,

lying on  stiff  hair-cloth,  bestrewed  with  ashes.

Then the  brethren  entreated  that  they  might

at least  underlay  his  bed  with  softer  bedding.