and Christianity revived after that destruction.
Afterward, after some space, the Christian folk
took and built a great minster over the Martyrs' bodies,
where they all three lie, in especial veneration.
There are many wonders wrought frequently
through the holy martyrs, to the comfort of men;
there the blind receive, through their prayers, sight,
and the deaf hearing, and the halt power of motion,
and the mad are there made sane through them,
and unnumbered miracles are effected there very often;
to the praise of the Almighty Who liveth ever in eternity.
AMEN.
XXX.
NOV. 2. PASSION OF ST. EUSTACE AND HIS COMPANIONS.
[See Gesta Romanorum; Tale CX.]
In the reigning days [days of the reign] of Trajan the Emperor there was a certain military tribune (who was) a worshipper of idols, whose name was Placidas; very nobly born as to this world, and greatly thriving in his works, and excelling all in honour. Truly he was greatly adorned with works of righteousness and with all good works; the oppressed he helped, and protected those who were condemned; and likewise he assisted very many who were unjustly sentenced by evil judges. The naked he clothed; and, as I truly tell, he distributed to every necessity of them that had need thereof; and his wife also practised the same good works. Nevertheless they both were as yet heathen, because no man had taught them the divine faith. They had two sons whom they educated to imitate them in good will. He was indeed very noble in righteousness, and strong in fight, so that the heathen were much subdued by him. He was also well skilled in hunting, and practised it continually every day. But the merciful and benign God, who always calleth to Himself those
