Letters (complete)
Latin text: Halm, CSEL 1 (Latin text: Karl Halm (CSEL 1, 1866), digitized by Open Greek and Latin, University of Leipzig (csel-dev), CC BY-SA 4.0).English: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), public domain (CC0). Compare: Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, series 2, vol. 11 (1894).
Chapter 1
1.1CSEL 1:138
Hesterna die, cum ad me plerique monachi uenissent, inter fabulas iuges longumque sermonem mentio incidit libelli mei, quem de uita beati uiri Martini episcopi edidi, studioseque eum a multis legi libentissime audiebam.
Yesterday, when a good many monks had come to me, in the course of our continual stories and long conversation mention happened to be made of my little book which I published on the life of the blessed man Martin, the bishop, and I was very glad to hear that it was being eagerly read by many.
Notes and citation
Summary: Sulpicius hears from visiting monks that his Life of Martin is widely read.
Extrabiblical texts: Sulpicius Severus, V. Mart. (Life of Saint Martin; allusion)
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 1.1 (CSEL 1:138; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-1-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
1.2CSEL 1:138
interea indicatur mihi dixisse quendam malo spiritu suscitatum, cur Martinus, qui mortuos suscitasset, flammas domibus depulisset, ipse nuper adustus incendio periculosae fuisset obnoxius passioni.
Meanwhile it is reported to me that someone, stirred up by an evil spirit, had said: why had Martin, who had raised the dead and driven flames back from houses, lately been burned in a fire himself and exposed to a dangerous injury?
Notes and citation
Summary: Someone objects that Martin, a worker of miracles, was himself burned in a fire.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 1.2 (CSEL 1:138; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-1-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
1.3CSEL 1:138
o istum, quisquis est, miserum! Iudaeorum in uerbis eius perfidiam et dicta cognoscimus, qui in cruce positum Dominum his uerbis increpabant: alios saluos fecit, se ipsum saluum facere non potest.
O wretched man, whoever he is! In his words we recognize the faithlessness and the sayings of the Jews, who taunted the Lord as he hung on the cross with these words: “He saved others; he cannot save himself.”
Matt 27:42 (quotation, high confidence) · Mark 15:31 (quotation, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The objection repeats the taunt against Christ on the cross.
- Quotation: Matt 27:42 (Mark 15:31).
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 1.3 (CSEL 1:138; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-1-3). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
1.4CSEL 1:138
uere iste, quicumque est, illis temporibus natus esset, ut in Dominum hac uoce potuisset dicere, qui simili modo sanctum Domini blasfemat exemplo.
Truly this man, whoever he is, would have been born in those times so as to be able to use that cry against the Lord, since he blasphemes the Lord’s saint in a similar way.
Notes and citation
Summary: The critic would have mocked Christ himself.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 1.4 (CSEL 1:138; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-1-4). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
1.5CSEL 1:138–139
quid ergo, quisquis es, Martinus ideo non potens, ideo non sanctus, quia est periclitatus incendio? o beatum et per omnia similem Apostolis etiam in his conuiciis uirum! nempe hoc et de Paulo gentiles, cum eum uipera momordisset, sensisse referuntur: hic homo debet homicida esse, quem saluum factum de mari fata uiuere non siuerunt. at ille excussa uipera in ignem nihil mali patiebatur. illi autem subito casurum et repente moriturum eum putabant, sed cum uiderent nihil mali contingere ei, conuertentes se dicebant eum Deum esse. adquin uel horum exemplo, omnium mortalium infelicissime, perfidiam tuam coarguere ipse debueras, ut si tibi scandalum mouerat, quod Martinus flamma ignis uidebatur adtactus, hunc rursum adtactum ad merita illius et uirtutem referres, quod circumsaeptus ignibus non perisset.
What then, whoever you are? Was Martin therefore not powerful, therefore not holy, because he was endangered by fire? O blessed man, like the apostles in all things, even in these reproaches! Surely the Gentiles are said to have thought this of Paul too, when the viper had bitten him: “This man must be a murderer, whom, though saved from the sea, the fates have not allowed to live.” But he shook the viper off into the fire and suffered no harm. They thought that he would suddenly fall and die at once; but when they saw that no harm came to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. Yet by their example, most unhappy of all mortals, you yourself ought to have refuted your own faithlessness: if it had been a stumbling block to you that Martin seemed to have been touched by the flame of the fire, you should in turn have ascribed that touching to his merits and power, in that, though surrounded by fire, he did not perish.
Acts 28:3 (allusion, high confidence) · Acts 28:4 (quotation, high confidence) · Acts 28:5 (allusion, high confidence) · Acts 28:6 (quotation, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: As with Paul and the viper on Malta, Martin’s escape from the fire proves his holiness rather than disproving it.
- Quotations and allusions: Acts 28:3–6.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 1.5 (CSEL 1:138–139; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-1-5). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
1.6CSEL 1:139
agnosce enim, miser, agnosce quod nescis, omnes fere sanctos magis insignes periculorum suorum fuisse uirtutibus. uideo quidem Petrum fide potentem rerum obstante natura mare pedibus supergressum et instabiles aquas corporeo pressisse uestigio. sed non ideo mihi minor uidetur gentium praedicator, quem fluctus absorbuit et post triduum totidemque noctes emergentem e profundo unda restituit. adque nescio an paene plus fuerit uixisse in profundo an supra maris profunda transisse.
Recognize, wretched man, recognize what you do not know: nearly all the saints have been more distinguished by the power they showed in their dangers. I see indeed that Peter, mighty in faith, walked on the sea against the opposition of nature and pressed the unstable waters with his bodily step. But the preacher to the Gentiles does not seem to me less on that account, he whom the waves swallowed and whom the sea gave back after three days and as many nights as he came up from the deep. And I do not know whether it was almost greater to have lived in the deep or to have passed over the deeps of the sea.
Matt 14:29 (allusion, high confidence) · 2 Cor 11:25 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The saints are marked out by their dangers: Peter walked on the water, Paul survived a night and a day in the deep.
- “After three days and as many nights” is Sulpicius’s wording; Paul says “a night and a day I have been in the deep” (2 Cor 11:25). Allusions: Matt 14:29; 2 Cor 11:25.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 1.6 (CSEL 1:139; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-1-6). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
1.7CSEL 1:139
sed haec tu, ut arbitror, stulte, non legeras aut lecta non audieras. neque enim absque diuino consilio istius modi exemplum beatus Euangelista sacris litteris protulisset, nisi ut ex his humana mens erudiretur naufragiorum adque serpentium casus, et, sicut Apostolus refert, qui nuditate et fame latronumque periculis gloriatur, omnia haec sanctis hominibus ad perpetiendum quidem esse communia, sed his tolerandis adque uincendis praecipuam semper iustorum fuisse uirtutem, dum per omnia temptamenta patientes et semper inuicti tanto fortius uincerent, quanto grauius pertulissent.
But these things, I suppose, you foolish man, you had not read, or, having read them, had not heeded. For the blessed Evangelist would not have set down an example of this kind in the sacred writings without divine counsel, except that the human mind might be taught by them about the hazards of shipwrecks and serpents; and that, as the Apostle relates, who glories in nakedness and hunger and the dangers of robbers, all these things are common to holy men to endure, but that the chief virtue of the righteous has always lain in bearing and overcoming them, while, patient through all temptations and always unconquered, they conquered the more bravely the more heavily they had suffered.
Acts 27:41 (allusion, medium confidence) · Acts 28:3 (allusion, high confidence) · 2 Cor 11:26 (allusion, high confidence) · 2 Cor 11:27 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Scripture records the apostles’ perils so that we may learn that the righteous endure and overcome dangers.
- Allusions: Acts 27–28; 2 Cor 11:26–27.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 1.7 (CSEL 1:139; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-1-7). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
1.8CSEL 1:139–140
unde hoc, quod ad Martini infirmitatem uocatur, plenum est dignitatis et gloriae, siquidem periculosissimo casu temptatus euicerit. ceterum omissum hoc a me in libello illo, quem de uita illius scripsimus, nemo miretur, cum ibidem sim professus me non omnia illius facta conplexum: quia si persequi uniuersa uoluissem, inmensum uolumen legentibus edidissem. neque enim sunt tam parua, quae gessit, ut omnia potuerint conprehendi.
So this thing, which is called a weakness of Martin’s, is full of dignity and glory, since, tried by a most dangerous accident, he overcame. For the rest, let no one wonder that this was left out by me in that little book which I wrote about his life, since I declared there that I had not included all his deeds; for if I had wished to go through them all, I would have put out an enormous volume for my readers. Nor are the things he did so few that they could all be comprehended.
Notes and citation
Summary: The event was omitted from the Life because Sulpicius never claimed to record all Martin’s deeds.
Extrabiblical texts: Sulpicius Severus, V. Mart. 1 (Life of Saint Martin; allusion)
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 1.8 (CSEL 1:139–140; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-1-8). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
1.9CSEL 1:140
sed tamen hoc, de quo quaestio incidit, latere non patiar et rem omnem, ut gesta est, referam, ne forte consilio hoc, quod ad uituperationem beati uiri poterat opponi, praetermisisse uideamur.
Nevertheless, I will not allow this matter, about which the question arose, to lie hidden, and I will relate the whole affair as it happened, lest we should seem to have deliberately passed over something that could be brought up to discredit the blessed man.
Notes and citation
Summary: Sulpicius undertakes to tell the story in full.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 1.9 (CSEL 1:140; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-1-9). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
1.10CSEL 1:140
Cum ad dioecesim quandam pro sollemni consuetudine, sicut episcopis uisitare ecclesias suas moris est, media fere hieme Martinus uenisset, mansionem ei in secretario ecclesiae clerici parauerunt, multumque ignem scabro iam et pertenui pauimento subdiderunt: lectum ei plurimo stramine extruxerunt. dein, cum se Martinus cubitum conlocasset, insuetam mollitiem strati male blandientis horrescit, quippe qui nuda humo, uno tantum cilicio superiecto cubare consueuerat.
When Martin, in keeping with the regular custom by which bishops visit their churches, had come to a certain parish at about midwinter, the clergy prepared lodging for him in the sacristy of the church, and laid a large fire under the floor, which was already rough and very thin; they built up a bed for him with a great deal of straw. Then, when Martin had lain down to sleep, he shuddered at the unaccustomed softness of the bed, which flattered him to his harm, since he was used to lying on the bare ground with only a hair shirt spread over it.
Notes and citation
Summary: On a winter visitation Martin is lodged in a sacristy heated from below and given a soft straw bed.
- “Parish” renders dioecesis, here a rural district of his diocese.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 1.10 (CSEL 1:140; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-1-10). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
1.11CSEL 1:140
itaque quasi accepta permotus iniuria stramentum omne proiecit. casu super fornaculam partem paleae illius, quam remouerat, aggessit. ipse, ut erat moris nuda humo ex lassitudine itineris urguente requieuit. ad mediam fere noctem per interruptum, ut supra diximus, pauimentum ignis aestuans arentes paleas adprehendit.
So, as though stung by an insult, he threw out all the straw. By chance he heaped part of the straw he had removed on top of the little furnace. He himself, as was his custom, rested on the bare ground, pressed by the weariness of his journey. At about midnight the blazing fire, through the broken floor, as we said above, caught the dry straw.
Notes and citation
Summary: Martin throws the straw aside onto the furnace and sleeps on the ground; at midnight the straw catches fire.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 1.11 (CSEL 1:140; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-1-11). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
1.12CSEL 1:140
Martinus somno excitus re inopinata, ancipiti periculo et maxime, ut referebat, diabolo insidiante adque urguente praeuentus, tardius quam debuit ad orationis confugit auxilium. nam erumpere foras cupiens, cum pessulo, quem ostio obdiderat, diu multumque luctatus, grauissimum circa se sensit incendium, ita ut uestem, quam indutus erat, ignis absumpserit.
Martin, woken from sleep by the unexpected event, overtaken by a danger he could not judge and especially, as he used to tell, by the devil lying in wait and pressing on him, took refuge in the help of prayer more slowly than he should have. For in his eagerness to burst out, he struggled long and hard with the bolt he had fastened on the door, and felt a very heavy fire all around him, so that the fire consumed the garment he had on.
Notes and citation
Summary: Woken by the fire, Martin tries first to escape through the bolted door rather than to pray, and his clothing burns.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 1.12 (CSEL 1:140; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-1-12). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
1.13CSEL 1:140–141
tandem in se reuersus, non in fuga, sed in Domino sciens esse praesidium, scutum fidei et orationis arripiens mediis flammis totus ad Dominum conuersus incubuit. tum uero diuinitus igne submoto, innoxio sibi orbe flammarum, orabat. monachi autem, qui pro foribus erant, crepitante et conluctante incendii sono, obseratas effringunt fores, demotoque igne de mediis flammis Martinum auferunt, cum iam penitus esse consumptus tam diuturno incendio putaretur.
At last, coming to himself, and knowing that his protection lay not in flight but in the Lord, he took up the shield of faith and prayer, and, wholly turned to the Lord, lay prostrate in the midst of the flames. Then indeed, the fire being removed by God, he prayed within a circle of flames that did him no harm. But the monks who were outside the doors, hearing the crackling and roaring of the fire, broke open the bolted doors, pulled the fire apart, and carried Martin out of the midst of the flames, when he was thought to have been utterly consumed by so long a fire.
Eph 6:16 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: When Martin turns to prayer the flames leave him unharmed, and the monks break in and rescue him.
- Allusion: Eph 6:16.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 1.13 (CSEL 1:140–141; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-1-13). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
1.14CSEL 1:141
ceterum — uerbis meis Dominus est testis — mihi ipse referebat et non sine gemitu fatebatur, in hoc se diaboli arte deceptum, ut excussus e somno consilium non haberet, quo per fidem et orationem periculo repugnaret: denique tam diu circa se saeuisse ignem, quamdiu erumpere ostium turbatus mente temptauerit.
Moreover (the Lord is witness to my words), he himself told me, and confessed not without a groan, that he had been deceived by the devil’s cunning in this: that, roused from sleep, he did not have the presence of mind to resist the danger by faith and prayer; and so the fire had raged around him as long as, troubled in mind, he was trying to break out through the door.
Notes and citation
Summary: Martin himself admitted to Sulpicius that the devil had tricked him into seeking escape before prayer.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 1.14 (CSEL 1:141; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-1-14). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
1.15CSEL 1:141–142
ubi uero uexillum crucis et orationis arma repetisset, medias cessisse flammas, seque tum sensisse rorantes, quas male esset expertus urentes. unde intellegat quisquis haec legerit, temptatum quidem illo Martinum periculo, sed uere probatum.
But when he had taken up again the banner of the cross and the weapons of prayer, the flames in the middle gave way, and he then felt as dewy the flames which he had found to his harm to be burning. From this let whoever reads these things understand that Martin was indeed tried by that danger, but truly proved.
Notes and citation
Summary: Once he prayed, the flames felt like dew; the danger was a trial that proved him.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 1.15 (CSEL 1:141–142; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-1-15). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
Chapter 2
2.1CSEL 1:142
Posteaquam a me mane digressus es, eram residens solus in cellula, subieratque me illa quae saepius occupat cogitatio, spes futurorum praesentiumque fastidium, iudicii metus, formido poenarum, et, quod consequens erat adque unde cogitatio tota descenderat, peccatorum meorum recordatio tristem me confectumque reddiderat.
After you left me in the morning, I was sitting alone in my little cell, and there came over me the thought that often takes hold of me: the hope of things to come and weariness of things present, fear of judgment, dread of punishment; and, what followed from these and was the source from which the whole train of thought had come down, the remembrance of my sins had made me sad and worn out.
Notes and citation
Summary: Alone in his cell, Sulpicius is overcome by thoughts of judgment and of his sins.
- The letter is addressed to the deacon Aurelius (see Letter 3.3).
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 2.1 (CSEL 1:142; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-2-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
2.2CSEL 1:142
deinde cum fatigata animi angore in lectulo membra posuissem, ut plerumque ex maestitudine solet, somnus obrepsit — qui ut semper matutinis horis lenior incertusque, ita suspensus ac dubius per membra diffunditur, ut quod in alio sopore non euenit, paene uigilans dormire te sentias —:
Then, when I had laid my limbs, wearied by the anguish of my mind, on my little bed, sleep crept over me, as usually happens from sadness; and since sleep in the morning hours is always lighter and unsettled, it spreads through the limbs so suspended and uncertain that you feel yourself almost awake while asleep, which does not happen in other slumber.
Notes and citation
Summary: He falls into a light morning sleep.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip): leetulo → lectulo.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 2.2 (CSEL 1:142; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-2-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
2.3CSEL 1:142
cum repente sanctum Martinum episcopum uidere mihi uideor, praetextum toga candida, uultu igneo, stellantibus oculis, crine purpureo: adque ita mihi in ea habitudine corporis formaque, qua eum noueram, uidebatur, ut, quod eloqui nobis paene difficile est, non posset aspici, cum posset agnosci. adridensque mihi paululum libellum, quem de uita illius scripseram, dextera praeferebat.
Suddenly I seem to see the holy bishop Martin, clothed in a white toga, his face like fire, his eyes like stars, his hair shining; and he appeared to me in that bodily form and appearance in which I had known him, so that (what is almost hard for us to express) he could not be looked at, though he could be recognized. And smiling at me a little, he held out in his right hand the little book I had written about his life.
Notes and citation
Summary: In a dream Sulpicius sees Martin, radiant, holding the Life of Martin.
- “Shining” renders purpureo (literally “purple,” used of bright color).
Extrabiblical texts: Sulpicius Severus, V. Mart. (Life of Saint Martin; allusion)
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 2.3 (CSEL 1:142; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-2-3). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
2.4CSEL 1:142–143
ego sancta genua eius conplexus benedictionem flagitabam, superpositamque capiti meo manum tactu blandissimo sentiebam, cum inter benedictionis uerba sollemnia familiare illud ori suo crucis nomen iteraret. mox in eum luminibus intentis, cum exsatiari uultu illius conspectuque non possem, subito mihi in sublime sublatus eripitur: donec emensa aeris istius uastitate, cum tamen rapida nube subuectum acie sequeremur oculorum, patenti caelo receptus uideri ultra non potuit.
I clasped his holy knees and begged for his blessing, and I felt his hand laid on my head with the gentlest touch, while among the solemn words of blessing he repeated that name of the cross so familiar on his lips. Soon, while my eyes were fixed on him and I could not have my fill of his face and appearance, he was suddenly snatched from me and carried on high, until, having passed through the vast expanse of this air, while we still followed him with our gaze as he was borne up on a swift cloud, he was received into the opened heaven and could be seen no longer.
Acts 1:9 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Martin blesses him and is carried up into heaven.
- After “begged for his blessing” the edition prints “as was my custom” in square brackets, which mark words the editor judged spurious; they are left out. Allusion: Acts 1:9.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (words in the editor's square brackets (deletion)): benedictionem [pro consuetudine ] flagitabam → benedictionem flagitabam.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 2.4 (CSEL 1:142–143; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-2-4). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
2.5CSEL 1:143
nec multum post sanctum Clarum presbyterum, discipulum illius, qui nuper excesserat, uideo eadem qua magistrum uia scandere. ego inpudens sequi cupiens, dum altos gressus molior et conitor, euigilo: somnoque excitus congratulari coeperam uisioni, quam uideram, cum ad me puer familiaris ingreditur, solito tristior uultu loquentis pariter et dolentis.
Not long afterwards I see the holy presbyter Clarus, his disciple, who had died lately, climbing by the same way as his master. I, shamelessly wishing to follow, while I strove and struggled to take those lofty steps, woke up; and, roused from sleep, I had begun to rejoice over the vision I had seen, when a servant of my household comes in to me, with a face sadder than usual, as of one who both speaks and grieves.
Notes and citation
Summary: He sees Martin’s disciple Clarus follow, wakes, and a servant enters looking grieved.
- On Clarus see Life of Martin 23.
Extrabiblical texts: Sulpicius Severus, V. Mart. 23 (Life of Saint Martin; allusion)
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 2.5 (CSEL 1:143; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-2-5). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
2.6CSEL 1:143
quid tu, inquam, tam tristis loqui gestis? at ille: duo, inquit, monachi modo a Turonis adfuerunt: domnum Martinum obisse nuntiant. concidi, fateor, obortisque lacrimis fleui uberrime. quin etiam dum haec ad te, frater, scribimus, fluunt lacrimae, nec ullum inpatientissimi doloris admitto solacium. te uero, ubi hoc mihi nuntiatum est, participem esse uolui luctus mei, qui eras socius amoris.
“Why are you so sad,” I said, “and what are you eager to say?” “Two monks,” he said, “have just come from Tours: they report that the lord Martin has died.” I collapsed, I confess, and, as the tears welled up, I wept abundantly. Indeed, even while I write this to you, brother, the tears flow, and I admit no consolation for a grief I cannot bear. As for you, when this was announced to me, I wanted you to share my mourning, since you shared my love.
Notes and citation
Summary: Monks from Tours bring news that Martin has died; Sulpicius weeps and calls his friend to share his grief.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip): at ille duo' inquit cmonachi modo → at ille: duo, inquit, monachi modo.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 2.6 (CSEL 1:143; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-2-6). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
2.7CSEL 1:143
ueni ergo ad me statim, ut pariter lugeamus, quem pariter amamus: quamquam sciam uirum illum non esse lugendum, cui post euictum mundum triumphatumque saeculum nunc demum reddita est corona iustitiae. sed tamen ego non possum mihi imperare, quin doleam.
Come to me at once, then, so that we may mourn together the man we love together; although I know that that man is not to be mourned, to whom, after he had conquered the world and triumphed over the age, the crown of righteousness has now at last been given. But still I cannot command myself not to grieve.
2 Tim 4:8 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Though Martin has received the crown of righteousness, Sulpicius cannot keep from grief.
- Allusion: 2 Tim 4:8.
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 2.7 (CSEL 1:143; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-2-7). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
2.8CSEL 1:143
praemisi quidem patronum, sed solacium uitae praesentis amisi: etsi, si rationem ullam dolor admitteret, gaudere deberem. est enim ille consertus apostolis ac profetis, et, quod pace sanctorum omnium dixerim, in illo iustorum grege nulli secundus: ut spero, credo et confido, in illis potissimum, qui stolas suas in sanguine lauerunt, adgregatus agnum ducem ab omni integer labe comitatur.
I have indeed sent a patron on before me, but I have lost the comfort of the present life; though, if grief admitted any reason, I ought to rejoice. For he is joined with the apostles and prophets, and (I would say it with the leave of all the saints) second to none in that flock of the righteous; as I hope, believe, and trust, he has been added above all to those who have washed their robes in blood, and, spotless, follows the Lamb as his leader.
Rev 7:14 (allusion, high confidence) · Rev 14:4 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Martin is now among the apostles, prophets, and martyrs who follow the Lamb.
- Allusions: Rev 7:14; Rev 14:4.
Topics: Martyrdom, Eschatology
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 2.8 (CSEL 1:143; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-2-8). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
2.9CSEL 1:143–144
nam licet ei ratio temporis non potuerit praestare martyrium, gloria tamen martyris non carebit, quia uoto adque uirtute et potuit esse martyr et uoluit. quodsi ei Neronianis Decianisque temporibus in illa, quae tunc extitit, dimicare congressione licuisset, testor Deum caeli atque terrae, sponte eculeum ascendisset, ultro se ignibus intulisset, Hebraeisque pueris aequandus inter flammarum globos media licet hymnum Domini in fornace cantasset.
For although the circumstances of his time could not give him martyrdom, he will not lack the glory of a martyr, because by desire and by virtue he both could have been and wished to be a martyr. And if it had been permitted him to fight in the contest that took place in the times of Nero and Decius, I call to witness the God of heaven and earth, he would have mounted the rack of his own accord, would have thrown himself willingly into the fire, and, the equal of the Hebrew youths, would have sung the Lord’s hymn amid the balls of flame, even in the middle of the furnace.
Dan 3:23 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Martin was a martyr in will: in the age of persecution he would gladly have faced rack and fire.
- Allusion: Dan 3:23–24 (and the hymn of the three youths in the Greek additions, Song of the Three 28–68).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip): et potuit esse martyr et ueluit → et potuit esse martyr et uoluit; in illa. quae tunc → in illa, quae tunc; intulisset.. Hebraeisque → intulisset, Hebraeisque.
Topics: Martyrdom, Persecution
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 2.9 (CSEL 1:143–144; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-2-9). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
2.10CSEL 1:144
quodsi Esaianum illud supplicium persecutori forte placuisset, numquam profecto inpar profetae serris et lamminis desecari membra timuisset ac si praecisis rupibus abruptisque montibus agere felicem furor impius maluisset, perhibeo confisus testimonium ueritati, sponte cecidisset. si uero gentium doctoris exemplo gladio deputatus inter alias, ut saepe prouenit, uictimas duceretur, primus omnium. carnifice conpulso, palmam sanguinis occupasset.
And if the persecutor had chosen that punishment of Isaiah, he would surely never have shrunk, no less than the prophet, from having his limbs cut through with saws and blades; and if impious fury had preferred to drive the blessed man over sheer rocks and steep mountains, I bear witness confidently to the truth, he would have fallen willingly. And if, after the example of the Teacher of the Gentiles, he had been assigned to the sword and led out among other victims, as often happens, he would have been the first of all to urge on the executioner and seize the palm of blood.
Heb 11:37 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: He would have faced any martyr’s death, Isaiah’s saw, a cliff, or Paul’s sword.
- Isaiah was believed to have been sawn in two (Ascension of Isaiah 5; cf. Heb 11:37). Paul’s death by the sword is tradition. Allusion: Heb 11:37.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 2.10 (CSEL 1:144; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-2-10). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
2.11CSEL 1:144
iam uero aduersus omnes poenas adque supplicia quibus plerumque humana cessit infirmitas, ita a confessione Domini non recedens, inmobilis obstitisset, ut laetus ulceribus congaudensque cruciatibus quaelibet inter tormenta risisset.
Indeed, against all the penalties and tortures to which human weakness has most often given way, he would have stood unmoved, never retreating from the confession of the Lord, so that, glad in his wounds and rejoicing in his torments, he would have laughed amid any tortures whatever.
Notes and citation
Summary: No torture would have moved him from confessing the Lord.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 2.11 (CSEL 1:144; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-2-11). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
2.12CSEL 1:144
Sed quamquam ista non pertulerit, inpleuit tamen sine cruore martyrium. nam quas ille pro spe aeternitatis humanorum dolorum non pertulit passiones, fame, uigiliis, nuditate, ieiuniis, opprobriis inuidorum, insectationibus inproborum, cura pro infirmantibus, sollicitudine pro periclitantibus? quo enim ille dolente non doluit?
But although he did not endure these things, he nevertheless fulfilled a martyrdom without blood. For what sufferings of human pain did he not endure for the hope of eternity: hunger, watching, nakedness, fasting, the reproaches of the envious, the persecutions of the wicked, care for the sick, anxiety for those in danger? For who was grieved, and he was not grieved?
2 Cor 11:27 (allusion, high confidence) · 2 Cor 11:29 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Martin fulfilled a bloodless martyrdom through hardship, fasting, persecution, and care for others.
- Allusion: 2 Cor 11:27–29.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 2.12 (CSEL 1:144; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-2-12). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
2.13CSEL 1:144
quo scandalizante non ustus est? quo pereunte non gemuit? praeter illa cotidiana illius aduersum uim humanae spiritalisque nequitiae diuersa certamina, dum in eo uariis temptationibus adpetito semper exsuperat fortitudo uincendi, patientia expectandi, aequanimitas sustinendi.
Who was made to stumble, and he did not burn? Who perished, and he did not groan? Besides those various daily contests of his against the force of human and spiritual wickedness, in which, though he was attacked by various temptations, his fortitude in overcoming, his patience in waiting, and his composure in enduring always prevailed.
2 Cor 11:29 (allusion, high confidence) · Eph 6:12 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: His daily struggles against human and spiritual wickedness showed unfailing fortitude and patience.
- Allusion: 2 Cor 11:29; Eph 6:12.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 2.13 (CSEL 1:144; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-2-13). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
2.14CSEL 1:144–145
o uere ineffabilem uirum, pietate, misericordia, caritate, quae cum cotidie etiam in sanctis uiris saeculo frigente frigescat, in illo tamen usque ad finem aucta in dies perseuerauit! quo ego illius bono uel specialiter fruitus sum, cum me indignum et non merentem unice diligebat.
O truly indescribable man, in devotion, in mercy, in love, which, while the world grows cold, grows cold every day even in holy men, but in him persevered to the end, increasing day by day! I enjoyed this goodness of his in a special way, since he loved me uniquely, unworthy and undeserving as I was.
Matt 24:12 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Martin’s love never cooled, and he loved Sulpicius uniquely.
- Allusion: Matt 24:12.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 2.14 (CSEL 1:144–145; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-2-14). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
2.15CSEL 1:145
en rursus lacrimae fluunt imoque de pectore gemitus erumpit. in quo mihi post haec homine similis requies, in cuius erit caritate solacium? me miserum, me infelicem! poterone umquam, si diutius uixero, non dolere, quod Martino superstes sum? erit post haec uita iucunda, erit dies aut hora sine lacrimis? aut tecum, frater dilectissime, potero illius mentionem habere sine fletu? aut umquam loquens apud te aliud quam de illo loqui potero?
See, the tears flow again, and a groan bursts from the depth of my breast. In what man shall I find such rest hereafter, in whose love shall there be comfort? Wretched me, unhappy me! Shall I ever be able, if I live longer, not to grieve that I have outlived Martin? Will life be pleasant hereafter? Will there be a day or an hour without tears? Or shall I be able, dearest brother, to mention him with you without weeping? Or shall I ever be able, speaking with you, to speak of anything but him?
Notes and citation
Summary: Sulpicius laments that he has outlived Martin.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 2.15 (CSEL 1:145; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-2-15). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
2.16CSEL 1:145
sed quid te in lacrimas fletusque commoueo? ecce nunc consolatum esse te cupio, qui me solari ipse non possum. non deerit nobis ille, mihi crede, non deerit: intererit de se sermocinantibus, adstabit orantibus: quodque iam hodie praestare dignatus est, uidendum se in gloria sua saepe praebebit, et adsidua, sicut ante paululum fecit, benedictione nos proteget.
But why do I move you to tears and weeping? See, now I want to comfort you, I who cannot comfort myself. He will not fail us, believe me, he will not fail us: he will be present when we talk about him, he will stand by us when we pray; and, as he has already today deigned to do, he will often let himself be seen in his glory, and will protect us with his constant blessing, as he did a little while ago.
Notes and citation
Summary: Martin will remain with them in prayer and will bless them.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip): commoueo P ecce → commoueo? ecce.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 2.16 (CSEL 1:145; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-2-16). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
2.17CSEL 1:145
inde secundum ordinem uisionis caelum se sequentibus patere monstrauit et quo sequendus esset edocuit: quo spes nostra tendenda, quo animus dirigendus, instruxit. quid tamen fiet, frater? quod mihi ipse sum conscius, conscendere arduum illud iter ac penetrare non potero: ita sarcina molesta me praegrauat et peccati mole depressum, negato in astra conscensu, saeua miserabilem ducit in tartara.
Then, following the order of the vision, he showed that heaven stands open to those who follow him, and taught where he is to be followed; he instructed us where our hope should be aimed, where our mind directed. But what will happen, brother? As my conscience tells me, I shall not be able to climb that steep road and pass through: so heavily does a troublesome load weigh me down, and, pressed down by the weight of sin and denied the ascent to the stars, it drags me, miserable, to cruel Tartarus.
Notes and citation
Summary: The vision shows that heaven is open to Martin’s followers, but Sulpicius fears his sins will keep him from following.
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 2.17 (CSEL 1:145; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-2-17). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
2.18CSEL 1:145
spes tamen superest, illa sola, illa postrema, ut quod per nos obtinere non possumus, saltim pro nobis orante Martino mereamur. sed quid te, frater, diutius occupo epistula tam loquaci demororque uenturum? simul iam pagina inpleta non recipit.
Yet there remains a hope, the only one, the last one: that what we cannot obtain by ourselves we may at least deserve through Martin praying for us. But why, brother, do I keep you longer with so wordy a letter and delay you from coming? Besides, the page is already full and can take no more.
Notes and citation
Summary: His one hope is Martin’s intercession.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 2.18 (CSEL 1:145; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-2-18). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
2.19CSEL 1:145–146
mihi tamen haec fuit ratio, sermonem istum longius proferendi, ut quia doloris nuntium epistula deferebat, eadem tibi ex quadam nostri confabulatione praestaret charta solacium.
But my reason for drawing out this talk at greater length was this: since the letter was bringing you news of grief, the same sheet might give you comfort through a kind of conversation with me.
Notes and citation
Summary: He wrote at length so that the letter might bring comfort as well as sad news.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 2.19 (CSEL 1:145–146; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-2-19). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
Chapter 3
3.1CSEL 1:146
Sulpicius Seuerus Bassulae parenti uenerabili salutem. Si parentes liceret in ius uocari, te plane expilationis furtique ream ad praetoris tribunal iusto dolore traheremus. quid enim non conquerar, quam a te patior iniuriam? nullam mihi domi chartulam, nullum libellum, nullam epistulam reliquisti: ita furaris omnia, ita uniuersa diuulgas.
Sulpicius Severus to his venerable kinswoman Bassula, greeting. If it were permitted to summon relatives to court, I would certainly drag you, with just resentment, before the praetor’s tribunal as guilty of plunder and theft. For how can I not complain of the wrong I suffer from you? You have left me no sheet of paper at home, no little book, no letter: you steal everything, you publish everything.
Notes and citation
Summary: Sulpicius playfully accuses his mother-in-law Bassula of stealing and circulating his writings.
- Bassula was probably Sulpicius’s mother-in-law; parens can mean any older relative.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 3.1 (CSEL 1:146; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
3.2CSEL 1:146
si quid ad amicum familiariter scripsi, si quid forte, dum ludimus, quod uelim tamen occultum esse, dictaui, omnia ad te prius paene quam fuerint scripta aut dictata perueniunt. nimirum obarratos habes notarios meos, per quos tibi nostrae ineptiae publicantur. nec tamen aduersus eos possum moueri, si tibi parent, qui in ius nostrum ex tua potissimum liberalitate uenerunt seque adhuc tuos quam meos esse meminerunt.
If I have written anything to a friend in familiar terms, if perhaps I have dictated something in jest which I nevertheless want kept private, everything reaches you almost before it is written or dictated. No doubt you have my secretaries in your debt, and through them my trifles are made public to you. Yet I cannot be angry with them if they obey you, since they came into my service chiefly through your generosity and still remember that they are yours rather than mine.
Notes and citation
Summary: His secretaries, once hers, pass his private writings to her.
- “In your debt” renders obarratos (read as obaeratos).
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 3.2 (CSEL 1:146; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
3.3CSEL 1:146–147
tu sola es rea, tu sola culpabilis, quae et mihi insidiaris et illos fraude circumuenis, ut sine dilectu ullo familiariter scripta aut neclegenter emissa inlucubrata tibi penitus adque inpolita tradantur. nam ut de reliquis taceam, rogo quemadmodum tam cito ad te epistula illa potuit peruenire, quam nuper ad Aurelium diaconum scripseramus. ego enim Tolosae positus, tu Treueris constituta et tam longe a patria filio inquietante diuulsa, qua tandem familiarem illam epistulam occasione furata es?
You alone are the defendant, you alone are to blame, for you lay snares for me and get round them by trickery, so that things written in familiar style or sent off carelessly are handed over to you without any selection, unrevised and unpolished. For, to say nothing of the rest, how, I ask, could that letter which I lately wrote to the deacon Aurelius reach you so quickly? For I am at Toulouse, and you are at Trier, torn so far from your homeland by your son’s unrest: on what occasion, then, did you steal that private letter?
Notes and citation
Summary: He asks how she obtained so quickly his letter to the deacon Aurelius.
- The letter to Aurelius is Letter 2. Tolosa is Toulouse; Treveri is Trier.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 3.3 (CSEL 1:146–147; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-3). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
3.4CSEL 1:147
namque accepi litteras tuas, quibus scribis in eadem epistula, qua de obitu sancti Martini fecerim mentionem, ipsum beati uiri transitum exponere debuisse. quasi uero ego illam epistulam aut legendam alii praeterquam ipsi, ad quem missa uidetur, ediderim, aut ego tanto sim operi destinatus, ut omnia, quae de Martino cognosci oportet, me potissimum scribente notescant.
For I have received your letter, in which you write that in the same letter in which I made mention of the death of Saint Martin I ought to have set out the passing of the blessed man itself; as though I had published that letter to be read by anyone other than the one to whom it is addressed, or as though I were appointed to so great a work that everything that ought to be known about Martin must become known chiefly through my writing.
Notes and citation
Summary: Bassula asks for an account of Martin’s death; Sulpicius protests that his letter was private.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 3.4 (CSEL 1:147; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-4). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
3.5CSEL 1:147
itaque si quae de obitu sancti episcopi audire desideras, ab illis potius, qui interfuere, cognosce: ego tibi statui nihil scribere, ne ubique me publices. tamen, si das fidem nulli te esse lecturam, paucis tuae satisfaciam uoluntati, itaque praestabo his, quae mihi sunt conperta, participem.
So if you want to hear anything about the death of the holy bishop, learn it rather from those who were present. I had decided to write you nothing, so that you would not make me public everywhere. Yet if you promise to read it to no one, I will satisfy your wish in a few words, and so I will make you a sharer in what I have learned.
Notes and citation
Summary: On condition that she keep it private, he agrees to tell what he knows.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 3.5 (CSEL 1:147; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-5). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
3.6CSEL 1:147
Martinus igitur obitum suum longe ante praesciit dixitque fratribus dissolutionem sui corporis inminere. interea causa extitit, qua Condacensem dioecesim uisitaret. nam clericis inter se ecclesiae illius discordantibus pacem cupiens reformare, licet finem dierum suorum non ignorasset, proficisci tamen ob istius modi causam non recusauit, bonam hanc uirtutum suarum consummationem existimans, si pacem ecclesiae redditam reliquisset.
Martin, then, foreknew his death long beforehand, and told the brothers that the dissolution of his body was at hand. Meanwhile a reason arose for him to visit the parish of Candes. For since the clergy of that church were at odds with one another, he wished to restore peace; and though he knew that the end of his days was near, he did not refuse to set out for such a cause, thinking it a good crown for his virtues if he left peace restored to the church.
2 Tim 4:6 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Knowing his death was near, Martin went to Candes to make peace among its clergy.
- Condate is Candes, on the Loire near Tours. Allusion: 2 Tim 4:6.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 3.6 (CSEL 1:147; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-6). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
3.7CSEL 1:147
ita profectus cum suo illo, ut semper, frequentissimo discipulorum sanctissimoque comitatu mergos in flumine conspicatur piscium praedam sequi et rapacem ingluuiem adsiduis urguere capturis. forma, inquit, haec daemonum est: insidiantur incautis, capiunt nescientes, captos deuorant exsaturarique non queunt deuoratis.
So he set out, with that very large and most holy company of disciples which always attended him, and he saw cormorants in the river pursuing their prey of fish, their greedy gullets driving them to constant catches. “This,” he said, “is a picture of the demons: they lie in wait for the unwary, catch them unawares, devour those they catch, and cannot be satisfied with those they devour.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Seeing cormorants catching fish, Martin compares them to demons.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (stray mark): /ita profectus → ita profectus.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 3.7 (CSEL 1:147; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-7). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
3.8CSEL 1:147–148
imperat deinde potenti uerbo, ut eum, cui innatabant, gurgitem relinquentes aridas peterent desertasque regiones, eo nimirum circa aues illas usus imperio, quo daemones fugare consueuerat. ita grege facto omnes in unum illae uolucres congregatae, relicto flumine, montes siluasque petierunt, non sine admiratione multorum, qui tantam in Martino uirtutem uiderent, ut etiam auibus imperaret.
Then he commanded with a word of power that they should leave the waters they were swimming in and make for dry and desert regions, using with those birds the same command with which he used to put demons to flight. So all those birds gathered together into one flock, left the river, and made for the mountains and woods, not without the wonder of many, who saw in Martin such power that he gave orders even to birds.
Notes and citation
Summary: At his command the birds leave the river.
- The sentence ends in the next section in the digital text (“-bus imperaret”); it is joined here by a logged correction.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (word split across sections in the digital text): ut etiam aui- → ut etiam auibus imperaret..
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 3.8 (CSEL 1:147–148; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-8). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
3.9CSEL 1:148
aliquandiu ergo in uico illo uel in ecclesia, ad quam ierat, commoratus, pace inter clericos restituta cum iam regredi ad monasterium cogitaret, uiribus corporis coepit repente destitui, conuocatisque fratribus indicat se iam resolui.
He stayed for some time, then, in that village, or in the church to which he had gone; and when peace had been restored among the clergy and he was already thinking of returning to the monastery, he suddenly began to lose the strength of his body; and, calling the brothers together, he tells them that he is now being released.
Notes and citation
Summary: After restoring peace he falls ill and tells the brothers he is dying.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (end of a word split across sections, joined to the previous section): bus imperaret./aliquandiu → aliquandiu.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 3.9 (CSEL 1:148; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-9). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
3.10CSEL 1:148
tunc uero maeror et luctus omnium et uox una plangentium: cur nos, pater, deseris? aut cui nos desolatos relinquis? inuadent gregem tuum lupi rapaces: quis nos a morsibus eorum percusso pastore prohibebit? scimus quidem desiderare te Christum, sed salua tibi sunt tua praemia nec dilata minuentur: nostri potius miserere, quos deseris.
Then indeed there was grief and mourning among all, and the one cry of those lamenting: “Why are you deserting us, father? To whom are you leaving us desolate? Ravening wolves will attack your flock: who will keep us from their bites when the shepherd is struck? We know indeed that you long for Christ; but your rewards are safe for you and will not be lessened by being delayed. Have pity rather on us, whom you are leaving.”
Acts 20:29 (allusion, high confidence) · Matt 26:31 (allusion, medium confidence) · Phil 1:23 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The brothers beg Martin not to leave them.
- Allusions: Acts 20:29; Matt 26:31 (Zech 13:7); Phil 1:23.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 3.10 (CSEL 1:148; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-10). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
3.11CSEL 1:148
tunc ille motus his fletibus, ut totus semper in Domino misericordiae uisceribus afluebat, lacrimasse perhibetur: conuersusque ad Dominum hac tantum flentibus uoce respondit: Domine, si adhuc populo tuo sum necessarius, non recuso laborem:
Then he, moved by these tears, since he always overflowed wholly in the Lord with tender mercy, is said to have wept; and, turning to the Lord, he answered those who were weeping only with these words: “Lord, if I am still necessary to your people, I do not refuse the labor:
Notes and citation
Summary: Moved to tears, Martin prays that he is willing to keep working if needed.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 3.11 (CSEL 1:148; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-11). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
3.12CSEL 1:148
fiat uoluntas tua. nimirum inter spem maeroremque positus dubitauit paene quid mallet, quia nec hos deserere nec a Christo uolebat diutius separari. nihil tamen in uoto suo ponens aut uoluntati relinquens, totum se Domini arbitrio potestatique committens, sic orauit dicens:
your will be done.” Clearly, placed between hope and grief, he almost doubted which he preferred, because he wished neither to desert them nor to be separated longer from Christ. Yet setting nothing on his own wish, and leaving nothing to his own will, committing himself wholly to the Lord’s judgment and power, he prayed thus, saying:
Matt 6:10 (allusion, high confidence) · Phil 1:23 (allusion, high confidence) · Phil 1:24 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Torn between staying and departing, he leaves the choice entirely to God.
- Allusions: Matt 6:10; Phil 1:23–24.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip): fiat uoluntas tna.nimirum → fiat uoluntas tua. nimirum; ant uoluntati → aut uoluntati.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 3.12 (CSEL 1:148; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-12). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
3.13CSEL 1:148–149
grauis quidem est, Domine, corporea pugna militiae et iam satis est, quod hucusque certaui: sed si adhuc in eodem labore pro castris tuis stare me praecipis, non recuso nec fatiscentem causabor aetatem. munia tua deuotus inplebo, sub signis tuis, quoadusque ipse tu iusseris, militabo. et quamuis optata sit seni remissio post laborem, est tamen animus uictor annorum et cedere nescius senectuti. quodsi iam parcis aetati, bonum mihi est, Domine, uoluntas tua: hos uero, quibus timeo, ipse custodies.
“Heavy indeed, Lord, is the bodily struggle of this warfare, and it is enough that I have fought until now; but if you command me still to stand at the same labor for your camp, I do not refuse, nor will I plead my failing age. I will devotedly fulfill your duties; I will serve under your standards as long as you yourself command. And though rest after labor is longed for by an old man, yet my spirit is a conqueror of years and does not know how to yield to old age. But if you now spare my age, your will is good for me, Lord; and as for these, for whom I fear, you yourself will guard them.”
2 Tim 4:7 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Martin’s prayer: he will go on serving if God wills, or leave his flock to God’s keeping.
- Allusion: 2 Tim 4:7.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 3.13 (CSEL 1:148–149; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-13). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
3.14CSEL 1:149
o uirum ineffabilem, nec labore uictum nec morte uincendum, qui in nullam se partem pronior inclinauerit, nec mori timuerit nec uiuere recusauerit. itaque cum iam per aliquot dies ui febrium teneretur, non tamen ab opere Dei cessabat: pernoctans in orationibus et uigiliis fatiscentes artus spiritui seruire cogebat, nobili illo strato suo in cinere et cilicio recubans. et cum a discipulis rogaretur ut saltim uilia sibi sineret stramenta subponi, non decet, inquit, Christianum nisi in cinere mori: ego si aliud uobis exemplum relinquo, peccaui. oculis tamen ac manibus in caelum semper intentis inuictum ab oratione spiritum non relaxabat.
O indescribable man, neither overcome by labor nor to be overcome by death, who leaned more to neither side, neither feared to die nor refused to live! So, though for several days he was held by the force of fever, he did not cease from the work of God: spending whole nights in prayer and watching, he compelled his failing limbs to serve the spirit, lying on that noble bed of his in ashes and sackcloth. And when his disciples asked him at least to let some cheap straw be put under him, he said: “It is not fitting for a Christian to die except in ashes. If I leave you any other example, I have sinned.” Yet with eyes and hands always fixed on heaven, he did not relax his unconquered spirit from prayer.
Notes and citation
Summary: In his last fever Martin keeps praying, lying on ashes and sackcloth.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 3.14 (CSEL 1:149; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-14). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
3.15CSEL 1:149
et cum a presbyteris, qui tunc ad eum conuenerant, rogaretur ut corpusculum lateris mutatione releuaret, sinite, inquit, sinite me, fratres, caelum potius respicere quam terram, ut suo iam itinere iturus ad Dominum spiritus dirigatur.
And when the presbyters who had then gathered to him asked him to relieve his poor body by turning onto his side, he said: “Let me, brothers, let me look at heaven rather than at earth, so that my spirit, about to go to the Lord, may be directed on its own way.”
Notes and citation
Summary: He asks to keep looking at heaven.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 3.15 (CSEL 1:149; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-15). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
3.16CSEL 1:149
haec locutus diabolum uidit prope adsistere. quid hic, inquit, adstas, cruenta bestia? nihil in me, funeste, reperies: Abrahae me sinus recipit.
When he had said this, he saw the devil standing near. “Why are you standing here,” he said, “bloody beast? You will find nothing in me, deadly one: Abraham’s bosom receives me.”
John 14:30 (allusion, medium confidence) · Luke 16:22 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Martin rebukes the devil standing by him.
- Allusions: John 14:30; Luke 16:22.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 3.16 (CSEL 1:149; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-16). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
3.17CSEL 1:149–150
Cum hac ergo uoce spiritum reddidit: testatique nobis sunt qui ibidem fuerunt, uidisse se uultum eius tamquam uultum angeli: membra autem eius candida tamquam nix uidebantur, ita ut dicerent: quis istum umquam cilicio tectum, quis in cineribus crederet inuolutum? iam enim sic uidebatur, quasi in futurae resurrectionis gloria et natura demutatae carnis ostensus esset.
With these words, then, he gave up his spirit. Those who were there have testified to us that they saw his face like the face of an angel; and his limbs appeared white as snow, so that they said: “Who would ever believe that he had been covered with sackcloth, who that he had been wrapped in ashes?” For he already appeared as though he had been shown in the glory of the resurrection to come and in the nature of flesh transformed.
Acts 6:15 (allusion, high confidence) · 1 Cor 15:51 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: At his death Martin’s face shone like an angel’s and his body appeared already glorified.
- Allusions: Acts 6:15; 1 Cor 15:51–52.
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 3.17 (CSEL 1:149–150; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-17). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
3.18CSEL 1:150
in obsequium uero funeris credi non potest quanta hominum multitudo conuenerit: tota obuiam corpori ciuitas ruit, cuncti ex agris adque uicis multique de uicinis etiam urbibus adfuerunt. o quantus luctus omnium, quanta praecipue maerentium lamenta monachorum! qui eo die fere ad duo milia conuenisse dicuntur, specialis Martini gloria: eius exemplo in Domini seruitutem stirpes tantae fruticauerant.
How great a crowd of people gathered for the funeral cannot be believed: the whole city rushed out to meet the body; all came from the fields and villages, and many even from neighboring cities. O how great the mourning of all, how great especially the laments of the grieving monks! About two thousand are said to have gathered that day, the special glory of Martin: by his example such numerous stocks had sprung up in the service of the Lord.
Notes and citation
Summary: Great crowds, including about two thousand monks, gather for the funeral.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 3.18 (CSEL 1:150; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-18). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
3.19CSEL 1:150
agebat nimirum ante se pastor greges suos, sanctae illius multitudinis pallidas turbas, agmina palliata, aut emeritorum laborum senes aut iuratos Christi in sacramenta tirones. tum uirginum chorus, fletu abstinens prae pudore, quam sancto dissimulabat gaudio quod dolebat! siquidem fides flere prohiberet: gemitum tamen extorquebat adfectus. etenim tam erat sancta de illius gloria exultatio quam pia de morte tristitia.
Clearly the shepherd was driving his flocks before him: the pale crowds of that holy multitude, columns in cloaks, either old men who had completed their labors or recruits newly sworn into the oath of Christ. Then the choir of virgins, refraining from weeping for modesty, how they hid with holy joy what they grieved at! For faith forbade them to weep, yet affection wrung a groan from them. For their exultation at his glory was as holy as their sorrow at his death was devout.
Notes and citation
Summary: The monks and the choir of virgins follow the body, torn between joy and grief.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 3.19 (CSEL 1:150; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-19). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
3.20CSEL 1:150–151
ignosceres flentibus, congratularere gaudentibus, dum unusquisque et sibi praestat ut doleat, et illi ut gaudeat. haec igitur beati uiri corpus usque ad locum sepulchri hymnis canora caelestibus turba prosequitur.
You would forgive those who wept, you would rejoice with those who rejoiced, while each one granted himself that he should grieve and Martin that he should rejoice. So this crowd, singing heavenly hymns, escorts the body of the blessed man to the place of burial.
Rom 12:15 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The crowd escorts the body with hymns to the tomb.
- Allusion: Rom 12:15.
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 3.20 (CSEL 1:150–151; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-20). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.
3.21CSEL 1:151
conparetur, si placet, saecularis illa pompa non dicam funeris, sed triumphi: quid simile Martini exequiis aestimabitur? ducant illi prae curribus suis uinctos post terga captiuos: Martini corpus ii, qui mundum ductu illius uicerant, prosequuntur. illos confusis plausibus populorum honoret insania: Martino diuinis plauditur psalmis, Martinus hymnis caelestibus honoratur. illi post triumphos suos in tartara saeua trudentur: Martinus Abrahae sinu laetus excipitur, Martinus pauper et modicus caelum diues ingreditur.
Let there be compared, if you please, that worldly procession, I will not say of a funeral, but of a triumph: what will be reckoned like Martin’s funeral? Let them lead captives with hands bound behind their backs before their chariots: Martin’s body is escorted by those who under his leadership had conquered the world. Let the madness of the peoples honor them with confused applause: Martin is applauded with divine psalms, Martin is honored with heavenly hymns. They, after their triumphs, will be thrust into cruel Tartarus: Martin is received rejoicing into Abraham’s bosom; Martin, poor and lowly, enters heaven rich.
Luke 16:22 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Martin’s funeral surpasses a Roman triumph: his escort is those who conquered the world, and he enters heaven rich.
- At the end the edition prints in square brackets, as spurious, a closing sentence that Martin watches over the writer and the reader; it is left out. Allusion: Luke 16:22.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (words in the editor's square brackets (deletion)): [illinc nos, ut spero, custodiens me haec scribentem respicit, te legentem.] → .
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): Sulpicius Severus, Ep. 3.21 (CSEL 1:151; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sulpicius-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-21). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Halm, CSEL 1 (1866; digital text, Open Greek and Latin; corrections logged; Halm's bracketed deletions left out and noted), then compared section by section with the public-domain English of NPNF² 11 (Roberts, 1894); differences checked against the Latin.