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History of the Franks

St Gregory of Tours, tr. Dalton, 1927

Book 5, 48. Of the Wickedness of Leudast

But as this book calls for its ending, I am fain to tell somewhat of Leudast’s career, beginning with his family, his native country, and his character. There is an island off Poitou called Gracina, where Leudast was born to the serf of Leucadius, a vine-dresser of the domain. In due time summoned to service, he was assigned to the royal kitchens. But as in early life he had weak eyes ill fitted to endure the sharp smoke, he was transferred from the pestle to the baker’s basket.¹ He pretended to enjoy himself amid the fermenting dough, but escaped, and forsook his service. Two or three times he was brought back after evasion; but as he could not be restrained, he was punished by the slitting of one ear. Then, as there was no possible means of concealing this branding mark, he took refuge with Queen Marcovefa, whom King Charibert loved exceedingly, and had wedded in her sister’s place.² She received him kindly, promoted him in her service, and assigned to him the care of her finest horses. As a result of this, his conceit and arrogance led him to solicit the office of count of the stables. No sooner was it his, than he looked down on and slighted every one; he was inflated with vain pride and gave way to lechery; he was inflamed with covetousness, and as the special favourite of his protectress was dispatched here, there, and everywhere about her affairs. After her death, as his purse was well filled through his extortions, he offered presents to King Charibert, and thus retained his old office. It was after this that he was nominated count of the city of Tours, for the sins of the people were now waxing gross. Pride of place yet further swelled his arrogance; he showed himself a most rapacious plunderer, a bombastic brawler, a foul adulterer; by his art in sowing discord and spreading calumny he amassed no mean fortune. After Charibert’s death, the city of Tours fell to the lot of Sigibert,³ and Leudast went over to King Chilperic; whereupon the party of Sigibert pillaged all his unjust gains. But as soon as Chilperic, through his son Theudebert, had seized the city of Tours,⁴ the prince urgently recommended him to me, as I had now come to the city, with a view to reinstating him in his former countship. Right humble and submissive was his demeanour towards me, as again and again he swore over the tomb of the holy bishop Martin that never would he act contrary to the laws of reason, and that he would be loyal to me in all things, alike in matters affecting my private interests, and in those concerning the needs of the Church. For he feared, what actually came to pass, that Sigibert might once more reduce this city under his authority.⁵ On that king’s death, Chilperic again coming into possession, Leudast regained his countship. But when Merovech came to Tours,⁶ he pillaged all this man’s property wherever found. During Sigibert’s two years’ possession of Tours Leudast had remained hidden in Brittany. But after his recovery of his old office in the manner above related, such was his upstart arrogance that he came into the church house in his gorget and shirt of mail with his quiver hung about him, helmet on head and lance in hand; he could trust no man, being the enemy of all. When he sat in his court with the chief men of the country, lay or clerical, and marked any man pursuing justice, he straightway wrought himself into a fury and broke into abuse against the citizens. By his orders priests were dragged forth in manacles, and soldiers were beaten with clubs; such was his cruelty that there are no words to describe it. On the departure of Merovech,⁷ who had despoiled him of his goods, he began slandering me, falsely asserting that Merovech had carried off his property by my advice. But after inflicting injury on me he once more renewed his oath, making the pall upon the blessed Martin’s tomb his surety that he would never oppose me more.

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