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History of the Franks
St Gregory of Tours, tr. Dalton, 1927
Book 4, 18. Of Duke Austrapius
The duke Austrapius, in fear of Chramn, took refuge in the church of the holy Martin, nor did he lack the divine succour in his tribulation. In order that he might more readily be driven by famine to issue of his own will from the holy church to certain death, Chramn had ordered him to be so close beset that none should dare provide him with food, and so narrowly guarded that he could not even get a draught of water. As he lay half dead, one came to him with a vessel of water, that he might drink. He had taken it, when the judge of the place hurried to the spot, snatched it from his hand, and poured the contents upon the ground. Which deed was swiftly followed by the vengeance of God and that of the holy bishop. For that very day the judge who had done this was attacked by fever, and died in the middle of the night; he might not survive to that hour of the following day in which he had dashed the cup from the fugitive’s hand in the church of the saint. After this miracle, all brought him in abundance the things of which he had need. On his return into his kingdom, Lothar held Austrapius high in his regard. In his reign Austrapius entered the Church, and at Chantoceaux in the diocese of Poitiers was consecrated bishop, it being understood that at the decease of Pientius, who then governed the church of Poitiers, he should step into his place. But King Charibert decided otherwise. For when Bishop Pientius had passed from the light of this world,1 Pascentius, abbot of the church of the holy Hilary, being then in Paris, was appointed to succeed him by command of this king. Austrapius loudly protested that the place should be given him as his due, but all his speeches availed him nothing. He returned to his town; and the Theifali, whom he had often oppressed, rising in rebellion against him, he was wounded with a spear and died a cruel death. The church of Poitiers received back the parishes which had been given to him.
Notes
- About 564.