neither have we found in books how the bishop lived
in this world, before he departed to Christ.
Such was their carelessness who knew him in life
that they would not write down his works and conversation
for future generations who knew not his power;
but God hath nevertheless brought his life to light
by manifest miracles and wondrous signs.
This Swithhun was bishop of Winchester,
as it were over Hampshire, a blessed servant of God;
(there were eight bishops between him and St. AEthelwold.)
Now as we before said, his life is not known to us,
save that he was buried at his episcopal see
to the west of the church, and afterwards covered up,
until his miracles manifested his blessedness with God.
Three years before the Saint was brought into the church
out of the stone coffin that standeth now within
the new building, came the venerable Swithhun
to a certain faithful smith, appearing in a vision
worshlpfully apparelled, and said to him these words ;
'Knowest thou the priest who is hight Eadsige,
who, with the other priests, was driven out
of the old monastery by bishop AEthelwold, for their misconduct?'
The smith then answered the venerable Swithhun thus,
'Long ago I knew him, sir, but he departed hence,
and I know not for certain where he dwelleth now.'
Then again said the holy man to the old smith ;
'Verily he dwelleth now settled at Winchelcombe,
and I now adjure thee in the name of Christ
that thou speedily announce to him my errand,
and tell him truly that Swithhun the bishop
has commanded him to go to bishop AEthelwold,
and say, that he must himself open my grave
