LIV. On the very same day Ambrose the bishop,
in the city of Milan, when he was standing at mass,
fell asleep, even as God willed,
and no man durst readily awake him;
nevertheless after two hours they awaked him,
and said that the time was passing away,
and that the folk were wearied exceedingly.
Then said the holy bishop; ' Be ye not vexed,
it greatly profiteth me that I should thus sleep,
for that my Lord hath revealed to me a great wonder.
Know ye that my brother, the holy Martin,
is departed from the body, and I wrapped up his body
with the wonted offices; and when ye awaked me,
his headcloth was not entirely arranged.'
They were astonished at his words and deeds,
and learned after a while that the venerable Martin
had departed on that day on which Ambrose said
that he had been at the holy man's laying out.
Behold! blessed is the man for whom at his departing
the company of the saints sang on high,
and the host of angels rejoiced, and all the heavenly citizens
came to meet him, and the foul devil
in his presumption was by the Lord confounded.
The holy church is strengthened in might,
and the priests of God are glorified
by the revelation of Martin's departure,
whom the holy Michael with his angels
and blessed Mary with companies of virgins received;
whom paradise holdeth, happy among saints.
