and drave out all the multitude,
and stretched himself upon the soulless body
some time in prayers; and anon he revived
and with fervent zeal rose up,
and took Martin's right hand and stood beside him,
and stepped forth with him in sight of the people.
VII. At that same time the people of Tours
were desirous that Martin should be
consecrated as bishop of their city;
but Martin would go no whither out of the monastery
until one of his neighbours sought his feet,
saying that his wife lay grievously afflicted;
and with difficulty prevailed upon him to go out.
And the citizens watched when he came out,
and immediately seized him and led him to the city
called Tours, that he might be consecrated.
Then cried all the multitude and said unanimously
that Martin was worthy of the dignity,
and an auspicious priest for such an episcopal office.
There were other bishops (present) from various cities
at the election, and some of them objected
that Martin was not worthy of so great a dignity
on account of his mean raiment; and there in particular
one of the bishops called Defensor made objection;
but he was put to shame by a divine attestation;
for they had to read some lesson before him,
but the lector was shut out; then a certain priest caught up
a psalter hastily, and read before them
what he first found, which was this verse [Ps. viii. 2]; —
' Out of the mouth of the unspeaking and of sucklings Thou
hast perfected Thy praise, O Lord, because of Thine enemies; that
Thou mightest overthrow the enemy and the Defender.'
As soon as this verse was read before them,