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History of the Franks
St Gregory of Tours, tr. Dalton, 1927
Book 8, 42. How Beppolen Was Given a Dukedom
Duke Beppolen1 was sorely harassed by Fredegund, and did not receive the treatment due to his position. Seeing himself thus slighted, he went over to King Guntram, who made him duke of the cities which belonged to Lothar, son of King Chilperic. He set forth for these places with a great array, but the people of Rennes refused to receive him. He next went to Angers, where he did many evil deeds. He spoiled the corn, hay, wine, and everything else in the houses to which he came, breaking open doors without waiting for the keys. Many of the inhabitants he beat and trampled underfoot; he put fear into the heart of Domigisel,2 though later he made peace with him. When he came into the town, and was feasting with various persons in an upper chamber, the roof suddenly gave way; many were injured, and he himself escaped only half alive; yet he persisted in his evil doing. Fredegund ruined great part of the property which he possessed in the kingdom of her son. He now returned to Rennes, seeking to bring the people under the authority of King Guntram. He therefore left his son among them; but not long after they fell upon the boy, who was slain, together with many men of great place.
In this year many signs appeared. Trees blossomed in the seventh month;3 many which had already borne fruit now bore again, the fruit remaining on the trees until Christmas. A brilliant light in the form of a serpent was seen to pass across the sky.
Notes
- Cf. ch. 31 above.
- Cf. ch. 18 above.
- September.